The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz is commemorated on 27 January 2025 with a ceremony in Oświęcim, Poland. Finland is represented by President Alexander Stubb and Minister of Education Anders Adlercreutz. Holocaust survivors are invited to the event, which will be held at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and will probably be the last one with survivors attending.
– We have a way of forgetting what history has taught us. What happened in Auschwitz and other places was a result of methodical dehumanisation, one of the most horrific events in human history, says Adlercreutz.
Developments globally are in many ways worrying, with the rule of law being challenged in many places and a hot war in the middle of Europe, where Russia’s brutal attack is still ongoing.
–The Second World War served as a brutal wake-up call, and helped us build many of the institutions that have served humanity well: the United Nations, International Treaties and the Rule of Law. Many institutions are being eroded today, but if a common worldview and common values are being shattered, then everything is at risk. We are reminded of this on a day like today, says Adlercreutz.
– Polarisation is a first step in the wrong direction. That’s why it’s so important that we nurture a society where everyone feels included and no one is marginalised. There is always a risk that history will repeat itself if we do not actively work to counteract the phenomena that led us astray.
– We must never forget what happened in Auschwitz, says Anders Adlercreutz.
