On the occasion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Commissioner for the Protection of Equality Brankica Janković said that this day is a stark reminder and a warning as to how dangerous discrimination is and what grim consequences in the course of human history it has had.

Violation of human rights and instigation of racial, national and religious hatred and intolerance, as well as turning a blind eye and failure to act in such circumstances, may have devastating effects in the future too. Hence, there is a need to reiterate the importance of upholding human rights, fostering diversity and promoting idiosyncrasy, said the Commissioner.

She said that learning about diversity but also about irreparable damage discrimination causes to individuals and society as a whole must start in early childhood, first in the family setting and then in the education system and the media.

In addition, Commissioner Janković said that the term fascism is far too often inadequately used in political discourse as a way political opponents insult each other without giving it a second thought, seemingly incognizant of the effects fascism had and of the true meaning of this word. The Commissioner stressed that in most European countries fascism is one of the most offensive words and its use should not be taken lightly primarily for the sake of its victims but also because its too frequent and unwitting usage strips it of its true meaning. Remembering Holocaust victims is an obligation we all have as individuals, state institutions and state bodies, stressed the Commissioner.