Holocaust Remembrance Day - 27 January

International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which is observed on January 27th, serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and the importance of never forgetting the lessons learned from this dark period in history.

An iconic photograph of a young Jewish child taken by Roman Vishniac in 1935

As a South African, reflecting on the Holocaust from a development perspective, one is struck by the devastating consequences of discrimination and prejudice. The Holocaust serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of allowing hate and intolerance to take root in society.

In South Africa, we have our own history of discrimination and prejudice, particularly during the Apartheid era. It is important to remember the lessons of the Holocaust as we continue to work towards creating a more inclusive and just society in South Africa.

One of the key lessons of the Holocaust is the need for constant vigilance against discrimination and prejudice. We must work to combat hate speech and discrimination in all its forms, whether it be on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic. This requires a commitment from all members of society, including government, civil society, and individuals.

The Holocaust also teaches us the importance of structured messaging in education toward preventing discrimination and prejudice. Through education, we can help to promote understanding and tolerance, and create a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

In South Africa, it is crucial that we continue the work of creating a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Through actively addressing poverty, inequality, and unemployment which can fuel discrimination and prejudice we move towards the vision of a just and equitable society where history is a lesson.

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