PRESS RELEASE
Joint Statement by States during the 14th Session of the UN Human Rights Council on the Occasion of the 65th anniversary of the Victory in the Second World War
819-16-06-2010
On June 15, during the 14th session of the UN Human Rights Council , the Russian Federation, on behalf of Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Cuba, Cyprus, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Montenegro, Nicaragua, Norway, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Serbia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vatican and Venezuela, made the following statement.
“2010 marks the sixty-fifth anniversary of the end of the Second World War, which brought untold sorrow to mankind. The importance of this date for the UN, and all members of the international community, was again highlighted at the special commemorative meeting of the General Assembly on May 6, 2010.
“We appreciate the historic significance of this event, which rid the peoples of this planet from fascist tyranny, including the liberation of the concentration camps; an event which opened the way for the formation of a new world on the principles of international cooperation and dialogue for peace and respect for the law, created the preconditions for the formation of the foundations of the contemporary international system, and re-established faith in the ideals of human rights and human dignity. The Victory in World War II created the conditions for establishing the United Nations Organization and at the same time confirmed the feasibility and inevitability of the solution of the global problems facing humanity only through joint efforts.
“We will never forget the sacrifices made in the name of the Victory over the forces of destruction and barbarism, we admire the courage of those who fought against fascism, both at the front and in the Nazi-occupied territories, revere the memory of the millions of people of different nationalities and religions who gave their lives for the triumph of freedom and justice. The memory of those events will be preserved and passed to new generations. It was a common Victory over a common enemy who had thrown down a challenge to all humanity.
“Highlighting the progress made since the Second World War in overcoming its legacy and in reconciliation, we reaffirm our determination to prevent new tragedies and to save succeeding generations from the threats to peace and security.”
The joint statement was a sign that the Victory in World War II continues to be an event that brings together states from various regions of the world, and that it was thanks to it that the establishment of the contemporary international order became possible. Against this background, unacceptable are attempts to revise the outcome of the war, or question the Judgment of the Nuremberg Tribunal, which unequivocally condemned Nazism and gave a legal assessment of its crimes.
June 16, 2010
