5. Statement by the Minister for Social Justice: Holocaust Memorial Day

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:47 pm on 25 January 2022.

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Photo of Jane Hutt Jane Hutt Labour 4:47, 25 January 2022

Thank you very much, Delyth Jewell. I will simply say that every word you said is pertinent and important for us, not just today in responding to this statement, but in how we move forward as elective representatives, as Government Ministers and in communities. Commemorating the Holocaust is important, to recognise and to ensure that we never forget—never forget—how dangerous, hateful and divisive narratives can be, what can happen when people and communities are targeted and dehumanised because of who they are. I've talked about the 'othering' of sections of society that happens. It can become incremental in terms of undermining freedoms and, indeed, undermining the rule of law. We know the Holocaust didn't happen overnight. It began with a gradual erosion of human rights and divisive rhetoric against people who were different or were perceived to be different to others. So, those are the lessons we learn today.