The South Antrim MLA was speaking after visiting a special display at Magilligan Prison, Limavady, to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2016.
Holocaust Memorial Day takes place every year on January 27, the date the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated by Allied forces during the Second World War. This year marks the 71st anniversary of the Soviet Army reaching the largest mass murder site in history.
The theme of 2016’s event is ‘Don’t Stand By,’ referencing the role bystanders played in allowing persecution to take place during the Holocaust and other atrocities. Reflecting on the occasion, Mr Ford said that we should do all we can to ensure the mistakes of history aren’t repeated.
“Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity to commemorate the victims of the Nazi regime in Europe,” he said.
“It is also a good time to reflect on the hatred still flourishing throughout the world today. Even though we’re in 2016, bigotry and prejudice still exist, and they will never be conquered if we stand by and do nothing.
“On this most important of days, I call on everyone to come together to join the fight against intolerance.”