The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), in a solemn partnership with the Israeli Embassy, is set to lead Kenya’s commemoration of the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust tomorrow, January 27.

Against the backdrop of rising global antisemitism and conflict, this year’s ceremony carries a profound weight. Diplomatic envoys, government officials, and students will gather at the UNON complex in Gigiri to honor the six million Jewish victims and millions of others murdered by the Nazi regime, reinforcing the timeless pledge: "Never Again."

"Remembrance for Dignity"

The theme for 2026, "Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights," emphasizes the need to restore the humanity of the victims that the perpetrators sought to erase. The event will feature the lighting of six candles, a poignant ritual symbolizing the six million lives extinguished.

• The Program: The ceremony will include remarks from the UN Director-General, the Israeli Ambassador to Kenya, and notably, testimonials from survivors. Educational films and a photo exhibition will also be displayed to ensure the younger generation understands the depths of history’s darkest chapter.
• Local Context: Kenya has long served as a hub for Holocaust education in East Africa. The collaboration between UNON and the Israeli Embassy highlights the strong diplomatic ties and shared commitment to human rights education in the region.

A Lesson for Today

"To remember is not just to look back, but to look around," said a UN official involved in the planning. The commemoration serves as a stark warning against the dangers of hatred, bigotry, and indifference in our current world. As Nairobi pauses to remember the dead, the message from Gigiri is clear: the defense of human dignity is a battle that must be fought every single day.