Menu
27/01/2003
Don't lose sight of human rights government warned
The Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission has today called on the government not to lose sight of human rights protection ahead of the second Holocaust Memorial Day event in Co Armagh tonight.
The Chief Commissioner, Professor Brice Dickson, voiced his alarm at reports that the government is set to consider tougher criteria for asylum seekers. Among asylum applicants, said Prof Dickson, are those who could face torture in their countries of origin should their application be denied.
"This goes against some of our most fundamental treaty obligations," Prof. Dickson said.
"It would be absolutely horrifying for the United Kingdom to renounce principles that were universally accepted as setting the 'bottom line' in the post-Holocaust world."
The commemoration event, which is being hosted by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM), Armagh City and District Council, and the Belfast Jewish Community forms part of the UK-wide memorial day.
Commenting on Northern Ireland's commemoration, former First Minister, David Trimble said: "We in Northern Ireland have an understanding of the trauma inflicted by violence, sectarianism and hate, but we can never identify with the sheer scale of the suffering inflicted during the Holocaust.
"However, we can empathise with its victims – Jewish and non-Jewish. The Holocaust is a solemn warning of what happens when democracy surrenders to fascism."
Around 300 invited guests are expected to attend the event at which the Statements of Commitment from the Stockholm Declaration of January 2000 – which was signed by 44 governments from around the world – will be read.
An act of commemoration will then take place with prayers being offered during the lighting of symbolic candles. Guests will be invited to reflect on the lessons from the Holocaust and pay their respects to those who suffered and lost their lives at that time or in subsequent acts of large-scale genocide.
During the second part of the ceremony those present will listen to the tragic stories of three of the many young children who suffered during the Holocaust, a selection of poems written by children at that defining time in world history, together with music involving the Belfast Synagogue Choir and the Chamber Choir of The Royal School Armagh.
(MB/GMcG)
The Chief Commissioner, Professor Brice Dickson, voiced his alarm at reports that the government is set to consider tougher criteria for asylum seekers. Among asylum applicants, said Prof Dickson, are those who could face torture in their countries of origin should their application be denied.
"This goes against some of our most fundamental treaty obligations," Prof. Dickson said.
"It would be absolutely horrifying for the United Kingdom to renounce principles that were universally accepted as setting the 'bottom line' in the post-Holocaust world."
The commemoration event, which is being hosted by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM), Armagh City and District Council, and the Belfast Jewish Community forms part of the UK-wide memorial day.
Commenting on Northern Ireland's commemoration, former First Minister, David Trimble said: "We in Northern Ireland have an understanding of the trauma inflicted by violence, sectarianism and hate, but we can never identify with the sheer scale of the suffering inflicted during the Holocaust.
"However, we can empathise with its victims – Jewish and non-Jewish. The Holocaust is a solemn warning of what happens when democracy surrenders to fascism."
Around 300 invited guests are expected to attend the event at which the Statements of Commitment from the Stockholm Declaration of January 2000 – which was signed by 44 governments from around the world – will be read.
An act of commemoration will then take place with prayers being offered during the lighting of symbolic candles. Guests will be invited to reflect on the lessons from the Holocaust and pay their respects to those who suffered and lost their lives at that time or in subsequent acts of large-scale genocide.
During the second part of the ceremony those present will listen to the tragic stories of three of the many young children who suffered during the Holocaust, a selection of poems written by children at that defining time in world history, together with music involving the Belfast Synagogue Choir and the Chamber Choir of The Royal School Armagh.
(MB/GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 November 2024
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
20 November 2024
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
DAERA Minister Confirms Commitment to Deposit Return Scheme
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reaffirmed his commitment to introducing a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in Northern Ireland. The DRS is designed to encourage recycling by offering a monetary incentive for returning single-use drinks containers. The scheme will cover PET plastic, steel, and aluminium containers ranging from 150ml to 3 litres.
24 January 2003
Armagh to stage Holocaust remembrance day
The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is set to stage Northern Ireland's first Holocaust Commemoration day on Monday January 27. The event, which is being hosted by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM), Armagh City and District Council and the Belfast Jewish Community, forms part of the UK-wide memorial day.
Armagh to stage Holocaust remembrance day
The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is set to stage Northern Ireland's first Holocaust Commemoration day on Monday January 27. The event, which is being hosted by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM), Armagh City and District Council and the Belfast Jewish Community, forms part of the UK-wide memorial day.
27 January 2022
Holocaust Memorial Day A 'Powerful Reminder'
Holocaust Memorial Day has been described as "a poignant and powerful reminder of the dangers of allowing prejudice and hatred to go unchallenged", First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill have said.
Holocaust Memorial Day A 'Powerful Reminder'
Holocaust Memorial Day has been described as "a poignant and powerful reminder of the dangers of allowing prejudice and hatred to go unchallenged", First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill have said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
