“The joint Muslim-Jewish observance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a beacon of hope at a time when divisions often seem insurmountable. This commitment to fostering partnerships and meaningful dialogue is a powerful testament to the strength that lies in unity”, said the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, in support of the joint Muslim-Jewish commemorative event, which is taking take place at the Srebrenica Memorial Center in Potočari, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 27 January 2024.
“We are witnessing a disturbing rise in acts of violence, hate speech, discrimination and incitement to hatred based on religion or belief. Mosques, synagogues and other religious places, as well as private homes, have been targeted and vandalised.
Across Europe, the rise in anti-Muslim and antisemitic incidents is a reminder of a dark past and a stark warning of the challenges ahead.
These acts run counter to the basic principles of pluralism, respect and openness to which we are all bound, and which have been upheld by the European Court of Human Rights. We must remember our duty to act decisively against hate speech, incitement to religious violence and discrimination. It is our collective responsibility to create conditions conducive to remembering and commemorating the victims of past genocides and fighting all manifestations of antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred and forms of ethnic or religious intolerance.
The commemoration in Potočari is a light in the darkness that I hope will inspire others to join and further these important efforts.”