The key aim of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) is to ensure that the Nazis' murder of six million European Jews must not be forgotten.
Luxembourgish diplomat George Santer will be in charge of the IHRA during Luxembourg's presidency and met with the parliamentary commission on foreign affairs to provide some insight on Monday.
In order to sustainably keep the memory of the victims alive, the alliance is setting up a dynamic cultural programme with many partners involved. LSAP MP Marc Angel, president of the parliamentary commission, confirmed that the programme was full.
Santer explained that the IHRA wants to raise awareness of Portuguese diplomat Aristides de Sousa Mendes in particular. During the Second World War de Sousa Mendes saved thousands from the Nazi regime, including members of the Grand Ducal family.
According to Santer, studies show that young people are less aware of the atrocities committed in the 20th century. He stressed that young people must be taught that some tendencies should not be replicated.
Finally, Santer concluded that Luxembourg is taking up the mantel of presidency during a time of growing antisemitism, which in turn makes the alliance's challenges considerable. Following the session, the consensus was that antisemitism must continue to be condemned alongside a continued education and information that prevents anything nearing the Holocaust from occurring again.
The presidency has a further important internal goal, which is to rework its declaration. The Stockholm declaration is 20 years old and requires updating to reflect contemporary society.
