Human Rights and Democracy - Official Documents

leading role in international discussions on Holocaust issues and best represents the
interests of the many Holocaust victims and their families in the UK. As William
Hague said: “Sir Andrew’s appointment will ensure that we continue to support those
working to right past wrongs and … to make sure that the lessons of this terrible
period in our history are never forgotten.”
Sir Andrew is responsible for leading the UK’s post-Holocaust work, drawing
together activity from across government and providing a clearer UK international
profile, presence and influence. His work includes driving forward implementation of
the Terezin Declaration on Holocaust Era Assets; resolving outstanding issues
related to property and art restitution; maintaining the UK at the forefront of
discussions on the vital work of the Task Force for International Cooperation on
Holocaust Education, Remembrance and Research; and ensuring the accessibility
and preservation of the Bad Arolsen archival record of the Nazi era and its aftermath.
Sir Andrew also provides a senior point of contact for UK non-governmental experts
on these issues. Since his appointment Sir Andrew has attended international
meetings on Holocaust education, remembrance and research and on restitution
issues and has met a range of leading British, US and international Holocaust
figures, including from the Jewish community.
Israel chaired the Task Force for International Cooperation on Holocaust Education,
Remembrance and Research in 2010. At its plenary meetings in June and
December the Task Force adopted a number of decisions concerning its future work,
including proposals on issues related to mass graves, the Roma genocide, and
Holocaust denial, as well as decisions regarding Finland’s membership of the
organisation and its future structure and legal status. We will work closely with the
incoming chair, the Netherlands, throughout 2011 as it looks to implement various
reforms to streamline working practices as membership of the Task Force continues
to expand.
At the June plenary, the UK’s Holocaust Educational Trust gave a well-received
presentation of its “Lessons from Auschwitz” project, through which sixth-form
students and their teachers take part in two afternoon seminars and a one-day visit
to the former Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau. In December, Sir
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