INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN #PROTECTTHEFACTS
ProtectTheFacts is an international initiative of the European Commission, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance(IHRA), the United Nations, and UNESCO, who have joined forces to raise awareness of Holocaust distortion – both how to recognise it and how to counter it.
At its simplest level, Holocaust distortion is rhetoric, written work, or other media that excuse, minimise, or misrepresent the known historical record of the Holocaust. Holocaust distortion paves the way for Holocaust denial, antisemitism, conspiracy myths and dangerous forms of nationalism.
Holocaust distortion makes us lose sight of our fundamental democratic values. It harms efforts to foster pluralistic, open societies.
When left unchallenged, Holocaust distortion allows antisemitism to inch towards the mainstream. History has taught us what can happen when antisemitism is normalised. Holocaust distortion can be found in all corners of society, from the media to politics and across the ideological spectrum. Countering it requires all of us to act.
The campaign, #ProtectTheFacts, aims to raise awareness of the importance of countering Holocaust distortion and promote recommendations and strategies among policymakers, Holocaust-related institutions, civil society, and the general public.
Over 75 years after the end of the Second World War, Holocaust memory is under threat. Holocaust distortion is on the rise and is eroding our understanding of historical truth. Holocaust distortion benefits from a general lack of awareness. It doesn’t stop at national borders, nor is it found only in one language. International cooperation is essential to countering it.
IHRA