Back Shoah reminds of need to stay vigilant against intolerance in Europe

[05/09/12 10:00] "The Shoah stands out as one of the defining moments of history that shaped the conscience of mankind. While unique in its roots, implementation and envisioned totality, remembrance of the Shoah has become a central part of our efforts to prevent all crimes against humanity" said today Commissioner Muižnieks at the conference "Tribute from the European Youth to the people who saved the honour of humanity during the Holocaust" organized in Tirana by the Government of Albania, as part of the country's chairmanship of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers.

"Some of the broader ‘habits of mind' that underpinned the Holocaust have not gone away – racialised thinking, conspiracy theories, the tendency to search for scapegoats and dehumanise the ‘other'. They are not only present among right-wing extremists, but have made broader inroads into mainstream society. We have a duty to remember the past and remain vigilant today in order to build societies which are immune to the appeals of racist, totalitarian ideologies."