Organised by the UN Office at Geneva, in cooperation with the EU Delegation and the Israeli Mission, the commemoration at the Palais des Nations took place under the theme “Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights”. The event honoured the six million Jewish victims and countless others who perished during the Holocaust, while highlighting the ongoing need to combat intolerance and hatred in today’s world.

Key reflections were shared, including a message from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, remarks by Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, and Ambassador Daniel Martin Meron, Permanent Representative of Israel to the UN Office in Geneva.

"Remembrance is a moral act and a call to action.  To understand the Holocaust means to understand the depths to which humanity can sink." António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

"Diversity is a richness not a threat. It is our duty to promote tolerance, understanding and peace." Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva

"Through education, we must honour the memory of the millions who perished, and through remembrance, we must shape a world where compassion and peace prevail, to fulfill the promise of Never Again." Daniel Martin Meron, Permanent Representative of Israel to the UN Office in Geneva

Ambassador Lotte Knudsen underlined the EU’s commitment to ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. She called for renewed action against rising antisemitism, xenophobia, and racism, urging younger generations to uphold the message of “Never Again” through education, solidarity, and a commitment to human dignity and human rights.

“Alarmingly, antisemitism, xenophobia and racism are once again on the rise in Europe and beyond. Where we allow hatred and ideology to spread, all too often violence and human rights violations follow. Holocaust denial, distortion, and trivialisation persist in our societies, often magnified online. We remain steadfast in our resolve not to accept the trivialisation of Nazism or the Holocaust, upholding the duty to remember and educate future generations about the horrors of these atrocities.” Lotte Knudsen, Ambassador of the EU to the UN in Geneva

Candles were lit by the Holocaust survivor Mr. Ivan Levkovits, Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Ambassador Meron, Ambassador Knudsen, a young representatives from the Jewish community, and a student from the German School in Geneva, serving as a powerful symbol of intergenerational remembrance and resilience. The ceremony continued with a moving performance by the La Châtaigneraie children’s choir, leaving the audience deeply moved.

Another impactful moment of the event was the interview with Holocaust survivor Mr. Ivan Levkovits, who shared his personal story of survival and the enduring importance of remembrance. His testimony resonated deeply with all in attendance, emphasising the need to confront the dangers of hatred and indifference.

"I can just repeat everything that has been said by the speakers beforehand, but with one difference. I am a Holocaust survivor. I have been there and I have seen everything that the others were talking about." Mr. Ivan Levkovits, Holocaust survivor

This commemoration powerfully reminded us that safeguarding our history and defeating lingering hatred, requires steadfast commitment to justice for war crimes today. More than ever, it is crucial that we uphold our responsibility to honour the victims of the Holocaust. The EU is determined to combat antisemitism and to protect and foster Jewish life in Europe. We denounce all forms of discrimination, intolerance, racism, and xenophobia, and will take decisive action to address these threats to democratic societies. 

Respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights, including the freedoms of expression and religion or belief, as well as the rights of persons belonging to minorities, must and will guide our actions at all times, in line with the values upon which our European Union is founded, and which are common to us all. 

Never again is now.

Full speech of Ambassador Lotte Knudsen at the Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony