Build a Bridge in your community for Holocaust Memorial Day 2013

Human rights and social justice are central to the BASW Code of Ethics for social workers and will also be centre stage on the annual Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) in the UK on 27 January. Considered an apt time to challenge hatred and persecution in the UK and abroad, HMD offers a shared opportunity to remember the millions murdered in the Holocaust and subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur and elsewhere.

BASW is backing the work of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust (HMDT), which is responsible for organising the UK’s annual commemorative event, and for supporting thousands of local activity organisers around the UK to hold creative activities each year.

The theme for HMD 2013 is Communities Together: Build a Bridge. On or around 27 January, communities across the UK are being asked to 'build a bridge' to connect people in their neighbourhoods. Social workers will be very aware of examples in their communities of where groups have turned their back on former neighbours, colleagues and even friends who have faced persecution for being different. Too many people in the UK continue to face marginalisation and social workers play a crucial role in supporting such individuals and groups. By reflecting on the cost of divisions in society on Holocaust Memorial Day, we can all take positive steps to creating a safer, better future.

To find out more about how you can be involved in HMD 2013 you can:

If you have any other questions please call HMDT’s dedicated team on 020 7785 7029 or email enquiries@hmd.org.uk. Even if you don’t need any more information, you can let them know about what you are doing on HMD by completing a short form on the website.