On Holocaust Memorial Day, OSCE/ODIHR expresses concern about rise in anti-Semitic acts

WARSAW, 27 January 2009 - The head of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expressed concern today about an increase in anti-Semitic acts across the OSCE region in comments released to mark the International Holocaust Memorial Day.

"Today's Holocaust Memorial Day enables us to reflect upon lessons of the past and provides an important opportunity to face present-day manifestations of hatred. It should make us further intensify our efforts to combat such acts," said Ambassador Janez Lenarcic, ODIHR's Director.

Recently reported anti-Semitic incidents have included physical and verbal attacks as well as acts of arson and vandalism targeting synagogues, cemeteries and Holocaust memorial sites. While such attacks have been publicly reported by governments and civil society, the perpetrators of many of these acts have not been identified and investigations are ongoing.

"We call on all participating States to step up their efforts to thoroughly investigate and respond to anti-Semitic and all other hate crimes committed within their territories," said Lenarcic.

ODIHR promotes remembrance of the Holocaust and assists OSCE participating States in their efforts to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Days.

The Office together with the Israeli Holocaust memorial institution Yad Vashem prepared guidelines for educators providing suggestions on how to prepare Holocaust Memorial Day in schools and communities. It also published an overview on governmental practices on Holocaust remembrance throughout the OSCE regions. Both documents are available on the OSCE website: Holocaust education and remembrance

ODIHR supports and assists OSCE participating States and communities affected by hate crime and acts of intolerance through its various tools, including educational resources, training for law enforcement officers and legislative guidelines.