Commemoration will reflect on survivors, liberation and rebuilding

The Thursday 27 January memorial day will mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the former Nazi extermination camp.

The day will focus on the theme of survivors and rebuilding lives.

It will offer the chance to take "a critical look at the world today and challenge racism and intolerance head on", David Blunkett said.

This event offers an opportunity for us to hear victims... and listen to what they can tell us that applies equally well to the world today David Blunkett 'Why we should remember'

The national commemoration, organised in conjunction with the BBC, will be the climax of a number of local events in London and throughout the UK.

Mr Blunkett said: "London has a proven commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day and I am confident that the 2005 commemoration next January will build successfully on the inspiring events of the previous memorial days.

"This event offers an opportunity for us to hear victims recall their experiences, reflect on how our society treated them and listen to what they can tell us that applies equally well to the world today."

'Never forgotten'

The home secretary also announced that Wales has been chosen to host Holocaust Memorial Day 2006.

In 2000, the government decided that 27 January each year should be designated Holocaust Memorial Day "to ensure that the horrendous crimes against humanity committed during the Holocaust and other acts of genocide were never forgotten".

Belfast hosted the fourth Holocaust Memorial Day in January of this year.

In recognition that 2004 marked the 10th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda, the theme focused on 'From the Holocaust to Rwanda: lessons learned, lessons still to learn'.

Among those who attended the commemoration was Prince Edward.