In memory of the victims of the Holocaust, the United Nations annually observes the International Holocaust Remembrance day. During this year's commemoration week, the United Nations Department of Public Information organized special exhibitions, film screenings, NGO briefing and the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony to bring awareness and remind the world of the threat posed to us all when genocide and crimes against humanity are allowed to occur.
In 2005, the General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning without reserve all manifestations of religious intolerance, incitement, harassment or violence against persons or communities based on ethnic origin or religious belief whenever they occur. The resolution declared that the United Nations would designate 27 January as an annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust and requested the United Nations Secretary-General to establish an outreach programme on the Holocaust and the United Nations, as well as institute measures to mobilize civil society for Holocaust remembrance and education, in order to help prevent future acts of genocide.
The theme for the Holocaust remembrance and education activities in 2017, is Holocaust Remembrance: Educating for a Better Future. The theme emphasizes the universal dimension of Holocaust education as a platform for building respect for human rights, increasing tolerance and defending our common humanity. The Holocaust was a defining point in history and its lessons have much to teach about the danger of extremism and the prevention of genocide today.
