Holocaust remembrance and fight against anti-semitism and racism

12.13.38pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 25th Jan 2005

The European Parliament will debate a resolution on Thursday 27th January, 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, on remembrance of the Holocaust and combating contemporary anti-Semitism and racism.

Taking the lead for the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), Baroness Sarah Ludford, London MEP and European justice spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats said:

"MEPs will rightly insist that January 27th is not only a solemn date for recalling the enormous horror of the Holocaust and condemning the genocide of the Jews, but also a catalyst for addressing the disturbing rise in anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic attacks across Europe. This is happening in Britain and even in London."

The resolution condemns Holocaust denial and calls for strengthened Holocaust education, recalls that other victims besides Jews included Roma and homosexuals, and demands a reinforced fight against racial, ethnic and religious intolerance and discrimination against all minority groups including Muslims.

Sarah Ludford last week secured an oral assurance that the Luxembourg Presidency of the EU will restore to justice ministers' agenda the draft EU law which aims to criminalise incitement to racial and religious hatred. She said:

"It is regrettable that debate on the European Commission's 2001 proposal has been stalled for 2 years. Although legitimate concerns on safeguarding of free speech must be met, it is essential we must lay down as a European human rights standard that hatred which stirs up prejudice is unacceptable."

Note:

The text of the draft resolution is available on request to Zoe Mayne, on 020 7288 2526, or at sludfordmep@cix.co.uk.