International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

Basic Information about International Holocaust Remembrance Day

International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust is observed on January 27 every year to remember those who died and suffer in Holocaust.


Observed on: 27 January

Organized by: UN, UNESCO

Introduced in: 2005

Observed: Worldwide


About International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

The United Nations’ (UN) organized International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust to remember those who died and suffered during the Holocaust before and during World War II. It is on January 27 each year.

In every year January 27, the United Nations (UN) remembers the Holocaust that affected many people of Jewish origin during World War II.

The day also commemorates when the Soviet troops liberated the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland on January 27, 1945 where more than one million people died.

The Holocaust, or Shoah (Sho’ah Shoa), is the term used to describe the deliberate murder and desecration of millions of people prior to and during World War II in Germany and German occupied areas in Europe.

On January 24, 2005, the UN General Assembly commemorated the 60th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camps. Following this session, a UN resolution was drafted to designate January 27 as the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. The resolution called for education programs on the Holocaust to help prevent genocide. It rejects any denial of Holocaust as an event and condemns all manifestations of religious intolerance, incitement, harassment or violence against persons or communities based on ethnic origin or religious beliefs.

On November 1, 2005, the UN Genera Assembly adopted this resolution so the day could be observed each year. It was first observed on January 27, 2006.


Activities and Programs on International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

The UN organizes and supports events such as: concerts by musicians who survived the Holocaust or are survivors’ descendants; art exhibitions influenced by the Holocaust; presentations of special stamps; the introduction of special educational programs; and film screening and book signing focused on the Holocaust.

Many academics present discussion papers or hold seminars or round table discussions on the Holocaust and its legacy in the modern world. Schools or colleges may also have special lessons on the Holocaust. The Holocaust and how people commemorate it receive special attention on the internet, television, radio, print media.

Holocaust survivors and leaders make their voices heard on this day. Many statements emphasize the need for future generations to learn about and remember the Holocaust. This is important for everyone to work towards preventing genocide.

In 2006, 2007 and 2008, Holocaust Remembrance Weeks were organized by The Holocaust and the United nations Outreach Programme.

In 2009 UNESCO has launched “Aladdin Project”, which aims to increase awareness of the Holocaust throughout the world, notably by translating certain major texts into Arabic, such as Primo Levi’s “If This is a Man”.

Many films, educational programs are conducting with regards to this day. The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme has partnered with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to make a new film resource and educational package available to educators around the world in all United Nations official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.


Theme for International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust 2020 Theme is “75 years after Auschwitz – Holocaust Education and Remembrance for Global Justice

International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2019 Theme was “Holocaust Remembrance: Demand and Defend Your Human Rights

International Holocaust Remembrance Day 2018 Theme was “Holocaust Remembrance and Education: Our Shared Responsibility

2017 Theme: Holocaust Remembrance: Educating for a Better Future

2016 Theme: From Words to Genocide: Antisemitic Propaganda and the Holocaust

2015 Theme: Liberty, Life and the Legacy of the Holocaust Survivors

2014 Theme: Journeys through the Holocaust

2013 Theme: Rescue during the Holocaust: The Courage to Care

2012 Theme: Children and the Holocaust


For a List of Important Days or UN Observations click here.

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