Minister Yelich Successfully Concludes Participation in OSCE Berlin Conference on Anti-Semitism

November 13, 2014 - The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), today successfully concluded her participation at the High-Level Commemorative Event and Civil Society Forum on the 10th Anniversary of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s (OSCE’s) Berlin Conference on Anti-Semitism.

"As a matter of priority and principle, Canada supports efforts to combat all forms of racism and discrimination," said Minister Yelich. "We recognize that anti-Semitism constitutes a unique form of racism, whose extreme manifestations have led to some of the darkest hours in the history of mankind."

The Berlin Declaration was proclaimed 10 years ago; it spelled out a series of commitments for OSCE member states, including Canada. Canada is deeply engaged in the fight against anti-Semitism, both at home and abroad, and remains committed to enhancing Holocaust education, remembrance and research.

Minister Yelich participated in a panel that reviewed efforts over the past 10 years in addressing anti-Semitism throughout the OSCE. The panel analyzed ways that member states can counter contemporary anti-Semitism and discussed recommendations put forward by civil society groups.

Minister Yelich reiterated that Canada encourages all states to take a similar, zero-tolerance approach to anti-Semitism.

"As we commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Berlin Declaration on anti-Semitism, we must acknowledge that anti-Semitism continues to be a sad reality," said Minister Yelich.

"Our close partnership with Germany is of fundamental importance to Canada. On the international stage, we work together to promote shared values in the areas of human rights, democracy, and peace and security. Canada and Germany are pursuing joint action in support of persecuted religious communities around the world through the Canada-led International Contact Group on Religious Freedom or Belief.

"Too often, not enough is done to ensure our societies, and especially our younger generations, remember the lessons of the Holocaust.

"On April 23, 2013, the Government of Canada announced that a site had been selected in our capital city of Ottawa to build Canada’s National Holocaust Monument. This monument, to be inaugurated in fall 2015, will encourage people to reflect upon the events of the Holocaust, remember the victims and pay tribute to the survivors. It will also encourage people to reflect on the responsibilities each of us has to protect human rights and dignity."

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