( dpa ) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Friday the Holocaust must be remembered as an example of intolerance and disrespect for human rights.
"The sad and tragic memories of the Holocaust must not be erased and must be passed on to other generations," Lula said in an event to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Rio de Janeiro.
"I take part in this gathering for the third year in a row, because I think it is vital to remember the terror apparatus launched by the Nazis," Lula said.
During the ceremony, the Jewish Museum in Rio de Janeiro announced the photo exhibition, "Holocaust Never Again."
International Holocaust Remembrance Day is officially January 27, but memorial events were held early this year since the date falls on a Sunday.
Lula stressed that his government is intent on guaranteeing respect for human rights, citing as an example that crimes related to racial discrimination in Brazil are not subject to bail.