On Anniversary Of World War Ii Massacre, Annan Appeals For Global Tolerance
New York, Sep 27 2006 1:00PM
Using the anniversary of a notorious massacre of Jews and others in Ukraine in World War II to deplore the recent
increase in extremism and intolerance, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today made an impassioned appeal for
pluralism and mutual respect around the world, decrying those who deny the Holocaust.
“The massacre of many thousands of Jews, Soviet prisoners of war, Ukrainian nationalists, Roma and others at Babyn Yar
was one of the worst horrors of the Second World War,” Mr. Annan said in message to the ceremony commemorating the 65th
anniversary of the tragedy, delivered by UN Resident Coordinator in Ukraine Francis O'Donnell.
“If we are to have any chance of sparing future generations from similar tragedies, we must keep memory alive,” he
added, warning that communities under assault must not be left alone to defend themselves.
“Even today, after the Holocaust and other horrors of the last century, we see people around the world targeted for
brutality and violence simply because of their ethnic, religious, national or other identity. We see Jews in many
places, including in Europe, living in fear for their safety and freedoms. We see Muslims and others fῡcing attacks and
discrimination.
He noted that politicians in several countries have found anti-immigrant appeals a path to electoral success and added:
“We must reject the false claims of those who say the Holocaust never happened or has been exaggerated. Everyone must
speak out.”
Last year Mr. Annan voiced shock over reported remarks by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad casting doubt on the
truth of the Holocaust, and the General Assembly passed a resolution rejecting any denial of the Holocaust as an
historical event, either in full or in part.
Today the Secretary-General stressed UN’s wide-ranging, long-standing work to promote and protect human rights,
highlighting the “Alliance of Civilizations,” launched last year and co-sponsored by Spain and Turkey, which aims to
bridge divides and overcome prejudices and polarizations that potentially threaten world peace.
Ends