Thank you, Mr. Chair,

Excellencies, dear friends,

Since this is the first time that I take the floor today, I join others in expressing our deep sadness at the tragic air accident in Washington DC. Our sincerest condolences and our solidarity go out to the American people and Government following this tragic event. Our thoughts are with the victims and all those impacted.

I wish to welcome Lord Eric Pickles, Chair of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance to the Permanent Council and thank him for his insightful remarks. He reminds us that the Holocaust is not simply a distant tragedy, but a stark warning of what can unfold when hatred and prejudice are left unchecked.

Today we honour the memory of those who perished and the resilience of those who survived, and we reaffirm our collective obligation to ensure that such atrocities never happen again. As stated yesterday by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani upon return from Auschwitz-Birkenau, “remembrance is the best shield we have against the repetition of the horrors of the past. We are here to educate the new generations, to ensure that evil never happens again and to preserve the values of dignity and peace that keep us human”.

In this framework the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with Essex University organized in Tirana the Human Rights 30 Forum Conference, entitled “EMPOWER TALK! Standing Against Hate and Embracing Rights,”. With over 100 participants from 35 countries from around the world, the multi-stakeholder global conference examined the costs that “hate speech” poses to the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, religion, belief, non-discrimination, equality and participation in public life which can lead to violence and even hate crimes.

The Global Guidelines on Countering Antisemitism are a powerful call for action, and Albania has undertaken the role of an engaged partner in this major global cause.

Colleagues,

As we remember the Holocaust, it is equally imperative to honor those who stood in the battle against injustice.

Those who tried to break the path of violence and persecution, those who offered shelter to the persecuted, who raised their voices for human rights and defended their faith. They are the lights that shone in the darkness of time, examples of unparalleled courage and undying hope.

Albania’s experience in World War II illustrates that, even in the direst of circumstances, humanity can prevail. Guided by our tradition of “Besa”, many Albanians risked their own safety to protect Jewish families, ensuring that Albania was the sole European country to emerge from the war with a larger Jewish population than before. This legacy affirms that courage and empathy can flourish even in the darkest hour.

In the same spirit, Albania remains firmly committed to confronting all expressions of hatred—anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, or any other form of intolerance.

Our forthcoming “Besa” Museum in Tirana and the Jewish Museum in Vlora will preserve these stories, educate future generations, and reinforce our commitment to safeguarding human dignity at every turn.

This museum serves as a testament to the strong bond between Albanians and Jewish people, and as a solemn reminder of our duty to protect freedom and human values for all.

“Never again” must stand as a universal commitment, embracing the safety and dignity of every community and individual.

Thank you!