• 2019-03-04

The 2019 International Holocaust Remembrance Day was marked at the National Central Library (NCL) on January 27, 2019, commemorating the victims of the Holocaust. Organized by the Israel Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei (ISECO) and German Institute Taipei in conjunction with the NCL, it was the third time this event of deep significance had been held at the library. Vice-President Chien-jen Chen (陳建仁) attended and made a speech, in which he reflected on the events of this period of history and important lessons we should learn from them.

In their speeches, Director-general of the German Institute Taipei, Dr. Thomas Prinz, and representative of ISECO, Mr. Asher Yarden, both noted that the countries that observed International Holocaust Remembrance Day were all democracies. This being the fourth consecutive year that Taiwan had participated in the commemorations was proof that Taiwan has joined the ranks of the world’s liberal democracies, and could serve as a role model for upholding human rights in the region.

This was the first time that Vice-President Chen had personally attended and given a speech at the International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration. He emphasized that, as Taiwan actively participates in the international community, it must always remember this period of history and stand up with other nations to protect the universal values of human rights. After nearly six years of planning and preparation, the Taiwanese government formally established the National Human Rights Museum in 2018. In future, the museum’s remit will be expanded to raise awareness of all kinds of human rights issues, reflecting Taiwan’s resolve to pursue democracy and human rights.

This event was a special collaboration with the Ama Museum in Taipei and the Anne Frank House in the Netherlands. Also on display at the event were Anne Frank’s diary, a model of Anne Frank’s home, and Holocaust-related historical materials and books.