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Holocaust Remembrance

Resolution adopted by the EPP Political Assembly (23rd January 2015)
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Taking into account that 70 years have passed since the end of WWII and the Holocaust, guided by the EU set of values and respect for Human Rights, and noting the UN General Assembly resolutions 60/7 of 1 November 2005 on Holocaust remembrance every year on January 27, the European People’s Party states the following:
  1. We recognize that humanity is still scarred by the belief that race, religion, disability or sexuality make some people's lives worth less than others'. Genocide, anti- Semitism, racism, xenophobia and discrimination still continue. We have a shared responsibility to fight these evils.
  2. We underline the threat to the values of civilised nations by the rise of extreme right and left in European countries; and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism, committing vulgar atrocities in the name of religion.
  3. We agree that no statutory limitation shall apply to war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the crime of genocide, irrespective of the date of their commission.
  4. We affirm that impunity for such crimes encourages their occurrence and is a fundamental obstacle to the furtherance of cooperation among peoples and the promotion of international peace and security, and that fighting impunity for such crimes is an important factor in their prevention.
  5. We recognise that crimes, such as the Holocaust, shook the foundations of modern civilisation. Their unprecedented character and horror will always hold universal meanin
  6. We reaffirm that the Holocaust will forever be a warning to all people of the dangers of hatred, bigotry, racism and prejudice.
  7. We honour the survivors still with us and reaffirm our shared goals of mutual understanding and justice.
  8. We value the sacrifices of those who have risked their lives to protect or rescue victims, as a touchstone of the human capacity for good in the face of evil.
  9. We acknowledge the significant progress made by the international community in the past 70 years, in developing relevant mechanisms and practices to prevent and punish the crime of genocide
In view of the above, the EPP invites the European Council, the European Parliament, the EU member states and the UNSC to:
  1. Make sure that future generations understand the causes of the Holocaust and reflect upon their consequences.
  2. Vow that the victims will be always remembered.
  3. Condemn without any reservation any denial of the Holocaust as historical event, either in full or part.
  4. Commend those states which have actively engaged in preserving those sites that served as Nazi death camps, concentration camps, forced labour camps and prisons during the Holocaust.
  5. Pledge to strengthen efforts to promote education and research about the Holocaust and other genocides and to do their utmost to make sure that the lessons of such events are fully learnt.
  6. Continue to encourage Holocaust remembrance by holding an annual Holocaust Memorial Day.
  7. Condemn without reserve all manifestations of religious intolerance, incitement, harassment or violence against persons or communities based on ethnic origin or religious belief, wherever they occur.
  8. Condemn the evils of prejudice, discrimination and racism and urge governments and people in all member states to value a free, tolerant, and democratic society.


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