Holocaust remembrance is an integral part of efforts to raise general historical awareness, as well as a cornerstone of the fight against anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination. This is one of the reasons why the Czech Republic welcomes the statement of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in which the IHRA member countries reaffirm their – existing commitments under the Stockholm Declaration on the Holocaust adopted fifteen years ago. The Czech Republic’s activities related to Holocaust remembrance and education are described in its upcoming national report to the IHRA. 

One example of support for Holocaust remembrance is the co-funding of the European Shoah Legacy Institute (ESLI) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The aim of the ESLI is to improve the social welfare situation of Holocaust survivors and to promote a matter-of-fact debate on ways to resolve the problem of confiscated Jewish property and looted art.

The Czech Republic is confident that the tragic legacy of the Holocaust, as well as of the World War II Roma genocide, must remain a political priority even in today’s world, seventy years after the end of World War II. Anti-Semitism, xenophobia and racism are not just empty words. The recent tragic events in major European cities testify to this.

Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to thank all those who continue to take an active part in efforts to safeguard freedom and tolerance worldwide and promote the goals of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.