Minister Adlercreutz attended the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz

Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz and President of the Republic Alexander Stubb attended a memorial ceremony in Poland on Monday 27 January to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

The honorary guests at the memorial ceremony consisted of approximately 50 survivors of the concentration and extermination camp in Auschwitz. Many heads of state or government and numerous invited guests attended the event to honour the memory of the victims. 

“The Holocaust was based on systematic dehumanisation. An image was created of people who were not like us, who did not belong and who had no value. We must uphold a society where everyone can feel they belong and one where no one is marginalised. We need empathy, understanding and compassion so that atrocities such as the Holocaust can never happen again,” says Adlercreutz.

“Schools are instrumental in promoting democracy and respect for everyone and human rights. The school curricula in comprehensive schools and general upper secondary schools have robustly incorporated education in democracy and human rights, and has long been a part of everyday lives in Finnish schools,” says the Minister of Education.

“World developments are cause for concern in many ways. The Second World War was wake-up call that triggered our societies to build many institutions that have served us well: The United Nations, the rule of law, joint agreements and treaties. Many of these institutions are now fracturing; they are starting to lose their value.  If we do not have forums for joint discussion and the ability to agree on matters, our common worldview and values will be broken,” says Adlercreutz.

The memorial ceremony was held in Auschwitz II-Birkenau, which is now a museum.

Inquiries: Crista Grönsroos, Special Adviser, tel. +358 295161035