The Africa–Israel Initiative, Nigeria has issued a warning about the dangers of hate speech and ethnic scapegoating, calling on the international community to reaffirm its commitment to peace, tolerance, and the protection of human dignity as the world observes the 2026 International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
In a statement marking the occasion, Bishop Sally William-Chinebu, Country Director of AII Nigeria, described the Holocaust as one of the darkest periods in human history.
She cautioned that unchecked hatred, discrimination, and global indifference continue to pose serious threats to peace and security. Between 1939 and 1945, six million Jews, along with millions of others, including Roma, people with disabilities, political dissidents, and other minority groups, were systematically murdered by the Nazi regime.
Bishop William-Chinebu emphasized that Holocaust remembrance extends beyond history lessons, asserting that it carries a moral responsibility to confront intolerance and prevent future atrocities.
“The Holocaust reminds the world of the devastating consequences of hate speech, ethnic scapegoating and state-sponsored dehumanisation when left unchallenged,” she said.
She further noted that the Holocaust’s lessons remain critically relevant today, as the world continues to face terrorism, insurgency, ethnic conflicts, religious extremism, and rising antisemitism.
According to her, lasting global peace relies not only on military might and diplomacy but also on shared values such as respect for human dignity, protection of minorities, interfaith understanding, and adherence to the rule of law.
William-Chinebu added that Holocaust remembrance reinforces international resolve against genocide, fosters intercultural dialogue, and promotes cooperation among nations to prevent crimes against humanity.
The United Nations observes 27 January each year as International Holocaust Remembrance Day to honour the victims and reaffirm the global commitment to oppose genocide, antisemitism, and all forms of hatred.
In Nigeria, the Embassy of Israel, in partnership with several organizations, is marking the day with programs focused on remembrance, education, and moral responsibility.
Joining the United Nations and the Israeli Embassy in Nigeria, AII Nigeria delivered a unified message rejecting hatred, genocide, and the dehumanization of any people.
“Silence in the face of hatred is never an option. Global peace and security depend on our collective courage to act,” William-Chinebu stressed, underlining that the phrase “Never Again” must move beyond rhetoric to become a concrete global commitment.
