PURPOSE: The International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed on 27 January marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and is meant to honor the holocaust victims. The purpose of the Day is two-fold: to serve as a date for official commemoration of the victims of the Nazi regime and to promote Holocaust education throughout the world. Holocaust remembrance and education that includes opportunities to develop a deeper appreciation of the victims and survivors and their agency, can inform our response to the plight of contemporary victims. Placing the victims and survivors in the centre of historical research, learning and remembrance illuminates the humanity of victims of atrocities today, and the impact of antisemitism fuelled by disinformation and the distortion of history. Focusing on the humanity of the victims prompts us to remember our humanity, and our responsibility to combat hate speech, combat antisemitism and prejudice - to do all we can to prevent genocide.
FORUM: “Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights.” International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust 2026. Eighty one years ago, in response to the atrocities of the war and the Holocaust, governments of the world established the United Nations, pledging to work together to build a just world where human rights were enshrined, and all could live with dignity, in peace. Acknowledging the milestone year, the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme has chosen as its guiding theme for 2026, “Holocaust remembrance and education for dignity and human rights”. The theme will reflect on the critical relevance of Holocaust remembrance for the present, where the dignity and human rights of our fellow global citizens are under daily attack. The Holocaust shows what happens when hatred, dehumanization and apathy win. Its remembrance is a bulwark against the denigration of humanity, and a clarion call for collective action to ensure respect for dignity and human rights, and the international law that protects both. Holocaust remembrance safeguards the memories of survivors and their testament of life before the Holocaust – of vibrant communities, of traditions, of hopes and dreams, of loved ones who did not survive. Safeguarding the history brings dignity to those the Nazis and their collaborators sought to destroy. Remembrance of the Holocaust is a victory against the Nazis and their collaborators, and against all who would try to continue their legacy through spreading hatred, Holocaust distortion and denial into the 21st century. Share your reflections with the hashtags: #27January, #HolocaustRemembranceDay, #austwitz, #WeRemember, #HolocaustRemembrance
COMMEMORATIONS: Join the observance of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust 2026 on January 27th. Register to participate!
On Thursday, January 29th 2026, starting at 6:00 p.m. the Reception, and 7:00 p.m. the exhibit entitled “Between Life and Death” followed by the Panel discussion entitled “Stories of Rescue During the Holocaust” will be held at the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research. The Holocaust survivor Elżbieta Ficowska and historians Jay Winter, Daniel Blatman and Mordecai Paldiel will explore how Holocaust remembrance has evolved, how stories of rescuers and survivors can be shared with younger generations, and how challenges such as disinformation, artificial intelligence, and fading living memory can be addressed. Jayashri Wyatt, Chief, Education Outreach Section at United Nations Department of Global Communications, moderates the discussion. The discussion is jointly organized by the European Network Remembrance and Solidarity (ENRS), YIVO Institute for Jewish Research, the Center for Jewish History, together with the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme. It is supported by the Sousa Mendes Foundation. Read more and register!
On Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. 12:30 EST will be held the annual Holocaust Memorial Ceremony, an commemorative event organized in observance of the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust 2026 at the United Nations General Assembly Hall. Four Holocaust survivors will share their experiences of the Holocaust. Guided by the theme, “Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights”, the United Nations Secretary-General, the President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly and the Permanent Representatives of Israel and the United States to the United Nations, will deliver remarks. Ms. Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, will host the proceedings. Watch the livestream!
On Monday, January 26th 2026; from 3:00-4:30 p.m. A high-level panel will explore how emerging technologies, including AI, gaming, and VR, can preserve Holocaust memory, counter denial and distortion, and combat the spread of hate.The panel discussion is organized by the Holocaust and the United Nations together with the World Jewish Congress as part of the programme of activities connected to the 27 January International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust under the theme "Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights". Invited speakers include Professor Victoria Grace Richardson-Walden, Director, The Landecker Digital Memory Lab, University of Sussex and Mr. Luc Bernard, Game designer, The Light in the Darkness. Ms. Yfat Barak-Cheney, Executive Director, Institute for Technology and Human Rights, World Jewish Congress will moderate the discussion. Watch online
STATEMENTS: Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the International Holocaust Remembrance Service 2026; January 27th.
Statements
Address by Mr Isaac Herzog, president of Israel on behalf of the 2026 International Holocaust Memorial Day.
Statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust 2026.
Messages
Remarks by the President of the 80h session of the General Assembly, at the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony 2025.
Message from Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO on the International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust (27 January 2026).
The Holocaust commemorative and educational activities will draw attention to the actions taken by Holocaust survivors in the immediate years following the devastation and brutality of the Holocaust, to reclaim their rights, their history, their cultural heritage and traditions, and their dignity.
PODCASTS: For the 2026 Holocaust Remembrance and Education on January 27th, we will commemorate the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the German Nazi concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz. Listen the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: “Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights.” is the slogan of this year; We are dedicated to keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive. Join the “We Remember” campaign and millions across the globe by raising your voice and shining a light on the dangers. Explore the poster and Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE IT?
Safeguarding the historical record, remembering the victims, challenging the distortion of history often expressed in contemporary antisemitism, are critical aspects of claiming justice after atrocity crimes. Each celebrations encompasses these concerns.
ACTIONS
The role played by institutions and individuals in supporting survivors, the long-reaching impact of the Holocaust on survivors’ families, and the impact of the Holocaust on the shaping of human rights policy and interventions will be explored.
PARTNERS
The Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme is an expression of the unwavering commitment of the United Nations to promoting human rights, to countering antisemitism and racism, and to preventing future genocide.