The Government commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 with a short ceremony held at Commonwealth Park earlier today. 

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz–Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, as well as the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. 

A statement continued: “The poignant ceremony, which included the lighting of a candle as a beacon of hope and unity and a two-minute silence, was jointly led by His Excellency the Governor, Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst KCVO CBE, and the Chief Minister, The Hon. Fabian Picardo KC MP. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries and a cross-section of the community to show solidarity against antisemitism and discrimination.” 

Minister for Equality, Christian Santos, said: “The Holocaust will forever be one of the darkest periods in human history. We will continue to commemorate this day to remind ourselves that racism and hatred do not have a place in our society. My Ministry will continue to raise awareness of the dangers of propaganda, dehumanisation and divisions in community which can so sadly escalate to discrimination and persecution. This year’s theme for the Memorial Day is ‘For a Better Future’. We will learn from the past to ensure future generations are able to enjoy a peaceful and brighter tomorrow.” 

The Governor, Sir Ben Bathurst, said the following at the ceremony: “The theme for this year is ‘For a better future’. We must remain vigilant to counter hatred and injustice and strive to create a world where every individual is valued and respected. 

“A survivor of the Łódź Ghetto reminds us that inflicting suffering on one another benefits nobody. Education is key to renouncing hate and prejudice whenever we encounter it and to break down the barriers that may exist between us. 

“The future therefore lies in our actions: building bridges, fostering dialogue and promoting understanding. Let us pledge to be advocates for peace and human rights and to create a brighter, more inclusive future. 

“Thank you for being here today.”