Statement

2018

IHRA Chair’s Statement on the Amendment to Act on the Institute of National Remembrance

IHRA Chair, Ambassador Benno Bättig expresses deep concern over the amendment to the legislation adopted by the lower house of the Polish Parliament on the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

“It was with great concern that I took note of the amendment to the legislation adopted by the lower house of the Polish Parliament on the eve of UN-mandated International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

As Chair of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, I underline our member countries’ commitment to our founding document, the Stockholm Declaration:

“Together we must uphold the terrible truth of the Holocaust against those who deny it … We share a commitment to encourage the study of the Holocaust in all its dimensions.”

It is in light of this commitment that the IHRA spoke out about the incorrect use of the term “Polish Death Camps” and why we also affirm the reality of local collaboration in some of the atrocities of the Holocaust. We emphasize the right to free and open research and discourse based on those findings, including the memoirs and testimonies of those who experienced the Holocaust directly.

We call upon Poland – a long-standing member of the IHRA – to consider the full implications of the final adoption of the amended legislation and to reject any move that imperils the free and open study, education and discourse connected to the Holocaust. The IHRA community stands ready to work with Poland to achieve those goals.”

IHRA Chair, Ambassador Benno Bättig

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance unites governments and experts to strengthen, advance and promote Holocaust education, research and remembrance and to uphold the commitments to the 2000 Stockholm Declaration.