The Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during World War II is a two-day international event observed by the UN every year on May 8 & 9 to pay tributes to the millions of people who lost their lives during World War II. This year marks the 75th anniversary of World War II.
Key Points:
i.History of the day: The duration of the World War ll was from 1939 to 1945. On May 8, 1945, the forces of Nazi Germany unconditionally surrendered.
ii.The World War II was one of the most epic struggles for freedom and liberation in history and its cost was beyond calculation, beyond comprehension in which 40 million civilians died.
iii.On November 22, 2004, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly passed a resolution 59/26 and declared 8–9 May as a time of remembrance and reconciliation.
iv.However on March 2, 2010, the General Assembly passed a resolution 64/257, by inviting all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, non-governmental organizations and individuals to observe 8-9 May in an appropriate manner to pay tribute to all victims of the Second World War.
v.A special solemn meeting of the General Assembly in commemoration of all victims of the war was held in the second week of May 2010, marking the sixty-fifth anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
vi.Antonio Gutterres, UN Secretary General, also added that we must never forget the Holocaust and the other grave and horrendous crimes committed by the Nazis. The victory over fascism and tyranny in May 1945 marked the beginning of a new era.
vii.On this 75th anniversary, let’s remember the lessons of 1945 and work together to end the COVID-19 pandemic and build a future of peace, safety and dignity for all.
About United Nations (UN):
- The UN was established in 1945 after World War II with the aim of preventing future wars.
- The UN is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security to develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation and be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations.
Headquarters– New York City, United States (US).
Secretary General– António Guterres.
