World leaders joined 300 Auschwitz survivors at the former Nazi concentration camp in Poland to mark the 70th anniversary of its liberation.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday afternoon Germany’s president Joachim Gauck told survivors: “For as long as I live, the fact that the German nation, despite its admirable culture, was capable of the most horrific crimes against humanity will cause me suffering.
“Even a convincing interpretation of the Holocaust, that appalling abandonment of all civilised values, could not calm my heart or my mind.
“Our moral obligations cannot be fulfilled solely at the level of remembrance. There also exists within us a deep and abiding certainty that remembrance bestows a mission on us.
“That mission tells us to protect and preserve humanity. It tells us to protect and preserve the rights of every human being.
“We say this at a time when we in Germany must work to reach a new understanding of the coexistence of different religious and cultural traditions.
“The community in which we all want to live will only flourish if we respect the dignity of the individual and if we live in solidarity.”
More than 1.1 million people, were killed at the camp between 1940 and 1945 before it was liberated by Soviet troops on this day 70 years ago.
Events throughout the day have included the laying of a wreath, a church service, and the lighting of candles at a memorial in the former death camp of Birkenau.
Poland’s chief rabbi Michael Schudrich said: “This is the most horrific murder site in the history of humanity. And if we don’t remember Auschwitz we are at great risk for our history.”
David Cameron shared a message on Twitter ahead of the ceremony, he said: “Holocaust Memorial Day brings people together across the world. As PM I will ensure we keep Britain's promise to remember #HMD.”
Ed Miliband also shared his own message on his way to commemorative events in London.
In a statement The Queen said: “We remember all those affected: those who died, those who have rebuilt their lives in Britain, and the rescuers and liberators who took great risks to assist and save their fellow human beings.
“Many refugees and survivors of the camps and ghettoes found a home in the United Kingdom and have given us their energy and commitment.”
Survivors at the Auschwitz ceremony, included a strong contingent of Polish survivors held as political prisoners.
Many wore scarves in blue and white stripes, a gesture to the uniforms they once were forced to ware.
Pope Francis shared a message of reflection with his followers on Twitter, he said: “Auschwitz cries out with the pain of immense suffering and pleads for a future of respect, peace and encounter among peoples.”
The surivivors sat among dignitaries under a gigantic, heated tent made especially for the occasion.
