Holocaust Memorial Day

Today, people across the world will take time to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, and those killed in genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

For most of us, these horrific events are so far removed from our daily lives that they seem to belong to another time.

However, humanity remains scarred by these atrocities, and by the racism, anti-Semitism, xenophobia, homophobia, discrimination towards the disabled and religious intolerance that, sadly, still exists in our communities.

This is why it is so important to preserve the memory of these events, to ensure that they are not forgotten by future generations, and that we never repeat the mistakes of the past.

During Holocaust Memorial Day we remember those who lost their lives, those who lost their loved ones, and those who thankfully survived to be able to tell their stories.

But it is also an opportunity to consider how we learn from these events to address the issues that face us today.

Discrimination still occurs and so we must continue to promote and safeguard our principles of tolerance, inclusivity and equality.

By working together we can build a more cohesive community, free from fear and hatred.

The theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day is ‘One Day’.

The One Day that, for the many millions directly affected by genocide, their lives changed for ever.

The One Day in the future when we will have no more genocide.

I want Gwent to be a place where people can live, work and visit without fear of experiencing hatred of any kind.

Together we have made great strides towards equality and tackling hate in our communities and, while we may not have eliminated hatred entirely, I have confidence that One Day we will do so.

Support information

You can report hate crime to Gwent Police via 101, the Gwent Police website, or via Facebook and Twitter.

You can also talk to Victim Support as an alternative to the police. They provide independent, confidential help, advice and support to victims and witnesses of hate crimes in Wales. Call Victim Support free at any time on 0300 3031 982.

In an emergency always call 999.