Ambassador Dorothy Shea, the Acting U.S. Representative, addressed a United Nations General Assembly meeting commemorating all victims of the Second World War. The gathering marked the 80th anniversary of the war's end, which resulted in an estimated 60 million deaths worldwide and numerous individuals wounded, displaced, or missing.
During her remarks, Ambassador Shea highlighted the Holocaust's horror, where six million Jewish men, women, and children were murdered by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. She also remembered other victimized groups such as Roma and Sinti people, those of Slavic and Polish ancestry, persons with disabilities, Soviet prisoners of war, Jehovah’s Witnesses, individuals targeted for their sexual orientation, among others.
"Madam President," she stated, "we must renew our solemn vow to never again allow such atrocities to take place." She emphasized that "never again" means addressing current antisemitism outbreaks.
Ambassador Shea paid tribute to the Allied forces' sacrifices against Axis powers during World War II. This included servicemembers from the United States military and civilians who joined in resisting tyranny. She urged international community members to reflect on this period honestly and without distortion.
She underscored a key lesson from history: "tyranny and aggression will be met with resistance," asserting that justice ultimately prevails. After World War II ended, principles like state sovereignty and political independence were enshrined in foundational documents like the UN Charter to prevent future conflicts.
As nations observe this significant anniversary, Ambassador Shea called for remembering these principles as essential foundations for building a peaceful world today.
"I thank you," she concluded her address.