Pupils from Ysgol Bryn Tawe, Bishop Gore, Pentrehafod, Gowerton, Olchfa and Penllergaer Primary School (pictured) took part in the commemoration of those who have lost their lives in acts of genocide.
The theme for this year was Ordinary People – reflecting on how ordinary people were perpetrators, bystanders, rescuers, witnesses and victims of the Nazi Holocaust in Germany and of the genocides that took place in countries such as Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
The pupils were joined by Swansea Council’s Deputy Leader Andrea Lewis, The Lord Mayor of Swansea Mike Day and the council’s Human Rights Champion Louise Gibbard.
Chief Inspector Declan Cahill of South Wales Police read the Pan Wales Pledge while Norma Glass, MBE, a leading light in Swansea’s Jewish community, closed proceedings.
Cllr Lewis said: “Just last month Swansea was declared Wales’ first Human Rights City and it is vital that we here in Swansea do not forget The Holocaust and other acts of genocide which have cast a dark shadow on humanity.
“It is through events such as Holocaust Memorial Day we remember and challenge ourselves to stand-up against such tyranny to prevent it from taking hold again.”
Cllr Day said: “January 27 marks the day in 1945 when Auschwitz, the Nazi death camp in Poland, was liberated and the remaining prisoners set free.
“It is an important day across the globe to remember all those who have suffered and died due to acts of genocide.
“We want a strong message to go out which we hope is listened to and that is we never want such atrocities to be repeated. World leaders must do all they can to achieve this.”
Cllr Gibbard added: “After several years where we have staged our commemoration remotely due to the pandemic I was very honoured to attend the Guildhall and join with others for this important day of reflection and remembrance.”
