YORK residents have the chance to remind themselves of the "consequences of unbridled bigotry" later this month in a series of events to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

This year marks the the 25th anniversary of the genocide in Rwanda when between 500,000 and 1,000,000 people, mostly Tutus, were killed in the African republic.

Events later this month are on the theme "Torn from home" reflecting on how persecution or the threat or genocide affects individuals, families and communities, both at the time and afterwards.

Holocaust Memorial Day will be marked internationally on January 27, the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp.

York steering group chair, Michael Barrie said, "At a time when ideologies of hate are on the rise around the world, we should remind ourselves of the consequences when unbridled bigotry takes over hearts and minds."

On January 24, the 600 Candles ceremony of commemoration and reflections will take place at York Minster between 6pm and 7.30pm.

On January 27, St Martin's Church will host a Time for Reflection and the Lord Mayor and City of York Council will hold the annual Holcaust Memorial civic event at Temple Hall, York St John University.

Salah Uddin, a Rohingya who was born in a Bangladesh refugee camp, and Nur Huda who has first hand experience of the genocide of the Rohingya community in Myanmar will be among the speakers.

Actress Vanessa Rosenthal will recall "Susanne's Story", the account of a child's experience hidden in France from 1940 to 1945. The evening will include poetry reading and film screening.

On January 26, the Preview of Man & God: Classical Music, Science and the Creation of Colour Film, at the University of York will also be part of the Holocaust memorial events.

On March 14, there will be a commemoration at Clifford's Tower of the 1190 massacre of York's Jewish population.

Cllr Ian Gillies, Leader of City of York Council, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is a reminder of not only the historic, but also the present persecutions still occurring. The ‘Torn From Home’ events programme is great way to raise awareness throughout the city and we hope to see communities come together to commemorate.”