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National Holocaust Memorial Day
27/01/2008
We must never forget the horror of the holocaust and the people who have perished in more recent genocides, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said today.
On National Holocaust Memorial Day, Ms Sturgeon said:
"It's essential that we are all aware of man's brutality against man and that we never forget those who died, suffered, and continue to suffer, as a result of the Holocaust.
"The Holocaust brought misery to many different groups, including the Jewish community, lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people, disabled people and Gypsies/Travellers.
"National Holocaust Memorial Day helps present and future generations recognise the discrimination these communities experienced and reflect on this horrific period of modern history, and also the recent genocides in Bosnia, Darfur and Rwanda.
"We need to remember and learn the lessons of these despicable crimes against humanity so we can work towards a peaceful future and the prevention and eradication of genocide across the world."
Tomorrow East Renfrewshire Council will host this year's National Holocaust Memorial commemoration.
Ms Sturgeon and Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell will attend the event.
The event will take the form of a 'Question Time' panel, which will be chaired by past Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament George Reid with Nicola Sturgeon, Annabel Goldie MSP, Kenneth Macintosh MSP, Dr Stephen Smith and Scott Mackay as panellists.
The questions will be asked by young people from local schools.