Jo marks Holocaust Memorial Day

4.00.00pm GMT Tue 27th Jan 2009

Jo has signed a Book of Commitment in the House of Commons to honour those who died in the Holocaust.

January 27th marks the anniversary of the liberation in 1945 of the infamous concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. The Holocaust Educational Trust placed the Book of Commitment in the House of Commons for MPs to show their commitment to upholding the memory of the Holocaust and opposing hatred, racism and victimisation today.

Commenting, Jo Swinson said:

"I see Holocaust Memorial Day as an opportunity to reflect on genocides past and present, and to remind ourselves what terrible things can happen if we do not stand up to racism and oppression. We have come a long way since 1945, but we still have work to do in eradicating prejudice and violence from our societies, and I believe it is important that young people especially learn about the Holocaust and are encouraged to work towards a better future."

Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust said:

"We are delighted that Jo Swinson is supporting Holocaust Memorial Day. Holocaust Memorial Day and Holocaust education is more important now than ever. This year's topic, "Stand Up to Hatred" highlights the importance of joining forces against hatred, prejudice and intolerance. Sadly antisemitism, Islamaphobia, Holocaust denial, racism, prejudice and even genocide still continue to pollute our world today."