International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

The International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust serves as a solemn reminder of the unprecedented atrocities committed during the Holocaust. The observance aims to honour the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis and millions of other victims persecuted due to their ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, political beliefs and religion. This important day stresses the necessity to develop educational programmes worldwide that inculcate the memory of such a catastrophic event, thereby preventing future acts of genocide.

This observance, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005, particularly resonates with the United Kingdom's history. Britain played a crucial role during World War II, opposing Nazi Germany's expansion and atrocities. Moreover, the UK welcomed thousands of child refugees through the Kindertransport rescue effort, and many British soldiers were among those who liberated concentration camps. Therefore, beyond a global commemoration, this day carries significant meaning for the British nation and people.

In the United Kingdom, the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust is observed with numerous activities coordinated by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, a charity established by the British Government. The activities often include memorial services, educational events and exhibitions. Renowned landmarks are lit in purple as a mark of respect, and a national event held in London is attended by prominent political figures. This day is observed annually on January 27th, the date which marks the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. By uniting on this day, Britain reasserts its commitment to remember the victims, celebrate the survivors, and educate future generations about the Holocaust.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust in the UK

• The 2026 observance in the United Kingdom centers on the theme Bridging Generations, which highlights the shifting responsibility of remembrance from the last remaining survivors to their children, grandchildren, and the wider public.
• A significant parliamentary milestone coincides with this year’s commemoration as the Holocaust Memorial Bill reaches a critical stage in the House of Commons, aiming to remove legal obstacles for the construction of a national memorial and learning centre in Victoria Tower Gardens.
• The historical thriller Nuremberg, which stars Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring and Rami Malek as a US Army psychiatrist, is scheduled to premiere on Sky Cinema and NOW in January 2026 to mark the 80th anniversary of the landmark trials.
• Cultural interest is further driven by the recent release of Desperate Journey, a film by Stanmore-born director Annabel Jankel that chronicles the extraordinary true story of survivor Freddie Knoller’s escape through the Parisian cabaret scene and his eventual role in the French Resistance.
• This year marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest of the Nazi concentration camps, which remains the central focus for the national ceremony and thousands of local vigils across the country.
• The Holocaust Educational Trust is hosting its annual interactive webcast on 22 January 2026, allowing thousands of students and members of the public to hear first-hand testimony and engage in a live question-and-answer session with a survivor.
• The University of Greenwich is hosting a major temporary exhibition titled Bridging Generations from mid-January through February, showcasing student creative works and rare archival material to explore how intergenerational stories shape modern understanding of the Holocaust.
• Many local authorities across the United Kingdom are facilitating pebble-laying ceremonies and civic services, such as the event at the Herbert E. Brooks Memorial Rest Garden in Thurrock, to provide spaces for communal reflection on the victims of Nazi persecution and subsequent genocides.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust

Top things to do in the UK for this observance

• Join social media campaigns that promote awareness of the Holocaust, try tweeting using the hashtag #holocaustmemorial or #remembranceday.
• Read one of the thought provoking, gripping and saddening accounts of the Holocaust. Some choice picks include:
  1) The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
  2) Maus by Art Spiegelman
  3) Eichmann in Jerusalem by Hannah Arendt
• Watch a movie from the UK that relates to Victims of the Holocaust:
  The Pianist - This film tells the real story of Władysław Szpilman, a Polish Jewish pianist who survived the Holocaust. Although not set in the UK, the film's director, Roman Polanski, lived in the UK for a time.
  Woman in Gold - Starring Helen Mirren as Maria Altmann, a Holocaust survivor who takes legal action to recover artwork she believes
• read a book to learn more about Victims of the Holocaust:
  Britain's Holocaust Memorials: A Comparative Study - by R. K. Shepherd: This book talks about the various Holocaust memorials present across Britain, showcasing the nation's shared history and empathy with the victims.
  The Holocaust and the Postmodern - by Robert Eaglestone: This book discusses several aspects related to the Holocaust, including its effects on survivors in the UK.