The testimonies that the second and third generation delegates collected from the survivors of the Nazi concentration camps do not only contain the memory of their deportation and the recollection of the places where they so tragically suffered. They are also a pressing and ardent call to renounce all wars and to work towards a future marked by humanism and solidarity among peoples.

In the last century, Spain, Italy and Germany were the scene of dictatorships that, in addition to the abolition of people's rights, racist persecution, and discrimination based on political opinions, led the whole of Europe to a devastating war. The consequences of that conflict should have been lessons for future generations. Instead, for some years now, we have been witnessing events which question the whole of Europe and which require firm condemnation.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia, over a year ago, caused thousands of deaths, as well as deportations of Ukrainian children, devastation and destruction of entire villages and cities, and provoked the exodus of millions of refugees: the elderly, women, and children who sought refuge
from war, hunger and bombs in all European countries.

At the same time we are witnessing the continuing tragedy of other refugees who from the African coasts try to reach Europe fleeing wars, hunger, and climatic disasters. Thousands of Africans, Syrians, and Afghans have been swallowed up by the Mediterranean, after having suffered the dreadful experience of Libyan and Tunisian concentration camps.

In the face of these terrible tragedies, some European countries, for clearly racist motives, have closed the door to foreigners. Moreover, in some countries, such as Poland and Hungary, ethnic, religious and sexual rights, that are recognised as human rights, and considered to be
universal in modern democracies, are being increasingly and systematically denied, while freedom of information is under attack by the governments of those countries

The Italian delegates of the International Committees strongly deplore these events and ask us to listen to and put into practice the legacies of the survivors of Nazi concentration camps. They must be a warning to everyone.

For our part, we will continue to make their voices heard in every national and European headquarters.

15. Juni 2023

la dichiarazione in italiano