The United Nations has expressed its disapproval regarding the recent celebration of a Nazi veteran in Canada. The Canadian parliament gave a standing ovation to a Ukrainian man, Yaroslav Hunka, who had fought in the Nazi Waffen SS during World War II. The UN Secretary General’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, stated that the UN stands against the honoring of individuals who actively participated in Nazi activities during the war.
During a daily briefing, Dujarric confirmed that the international body opposes any form of celebration or commemoration of people who collaborated with or supported the Nazis. This statement follows a scandal that occurred last week when Hunka was invited to attend the Canadian parliament as a “Ukrainian and Canadian hero,” despite the existence of photographic evidence proving his SS membership.
The incident occurred during Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s visit to Canada. The office of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that no advance notice had been provided to Zelensky’s delegation or to the Canadian leader regarding Hunka’s invitation. Nevertheless, the incident sparked outrage and condemnation from various nation states and Jewish groups.
Moscow’s ambassador to Ottawa, Oleg Stepanov, announced that Russia would demand an explanation from the Canadian government for applauding a Nazi veteran. He also labeled the Trudeau-led government as an “epitome of neo-liberal fascism.” The Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, described the incident as “outrageous negligence.” Poland also expressed its condemnation, with Warsaw’s ambassador to Ottawa, Witold Dzielski, stating that the SS unit Hunka served in was responsible for the murder of thousands of Poles and Jews. Dzielski emphasized that Poland would never agree to “whitewashing such villains.”
Jewish organizations, including the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs, which represents Jewish federations across Canada, also condemned the actions of the Canadian parliament. The FSWC stated that an apology is owed to every Holocaust survivor and veteran of World War II who fought against the Nazis.
The incident has sparked international outrage and demands for accountability from the Canadian government. Governments and organizations from various countries have expressed their condemnation of celebrating a Nazi veteran and emphasized the importance of remembering and honoring the victims of the Holocaust.
In conclusion, the UN’s statement reflects the global consensus against honoring individuals who actively participated in Nazi activities during World War II. The incident in Canada has sparked widespread condemnation and demands for explanation and apology. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging the atrocities of the past and ensuring that such actions are not repeated in the future.
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