Auschwitz Museum Launches Educational Material on Persecution of Homosexual Men

Introduction and Purpose

The Auschwitz Museum, a Polish state institution, has introduced new educational resources focusing on the persecution of men imprisoned at the Nazi German camp due to their homosexuality. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), by promoting awareness and understanding of human rights violations and historical injustices.

Background on Persecution Under Paragraph 175

1. Legal Context: Paragraph 175 of the German Penal Code, enacted in 1871 and repealed in 1994, criminalized homosexual acts between men, imposing imprisonment and loss of civil rights.
2. Nazi Enforcement: The Nazi regime intensified enforcement, arresting approximately 100,000 men suspected of homosexuality between 1933 and 1945, with half imprisoned.
3. Concentration Camps: From 1938, men convicted under Paragraph 175 were also sent to concentration camps, including Auschwitz, where they were identified by a pink triangle badge.

Statistics and Research Findings

• Official Auschwitz records document at least 77 men imprisoned for homosexuality; however, researcher Rainer Hoffschildt estimates the actual number to be at least 136.
• Of these prisoners, at least 66 were killed within Auschwitz, 11 died after transfer to other camps, 32 survived, and the fate of 24 remains unknown.
• The majority were German nationals, with at least 14 of Jewish origin and one likely Polish.

Historical Significance and Human Rights Implications

The persecution of homosexual men during the Third Reich represents a critical aspect of Nazi terror and human rights violations. The Auschwitz Museum emphasizes the importance of remembering all victim groups to foster inclusive historical memory, supporting SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16.

Educational Resources and Accessibility

• The new online lesson and accompanying podcast, authored by Bohdan Piętka and narrated by Agnieszka Kita, are freely accessible in English and Polish.
• These materials provide a comprehensive understanding of the social and legal context of homosexual persecution under Nazi rule and its consequences within the concentration camp system.
• The initiative promotes SDG 4 by enhancing quality education on human rights and historical awareness.

Context of Auschwitz and Broader Historical Impact

1. Auschwitz was established in 1940 by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland, initially to detain Polish political prisoners, later becoming a primary site for the genocide of Jews and other groups.
2. At least 1.3 million victims were transported to Auschwitz, with over 1.1 million killed, including approximately one million Jews and a significant number of ethnic Poles.
3. The camp was liberated by the Soviet Red Army in January 1945, and a Polish state museum was founded in 1947 to preserve the memory and educate future generations.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 4 (Quality Education): By providing accessible educational content on marginalized victim groups, the museum fosters inclusive and equitable quality education.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Highlighting the persecution of homosexual men addresses historical discrimination and promotes social inclusion.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): The initiative supports justice and the promotion of peaceful societies through remembrance and education about past atrocities.

Conclusion

The Auschwitz Museum’s new educational materials serve as a vital tool in acknowledging the diverse victims of Nazi persecution and reinforcing the global commitment to human rights and dignity. These efforts contribute significantly to the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting education, reducing inequalities, and fostering justice.

Image credit: Auschwitz Museum

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article discusses new educational materials launched by the Auschwitz Museum to shed light on the persecution of homosexual men during the Nazi era, promoting inclusive historical education.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The focus on the persecution of homosexual men highlights issues of discrimination based on sexual orientation, aligning with goals to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, including LGBTQ+ rights.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article addresses historical persecution and systemic discrimination of a minority group, emphasizing the need to reduce inequalities and promote social inclusion.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article deals with historical injustices, human rights violations, and the importance of remembrance and education to prevent recurrence, linking to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including education for human rights, gender equality, and appreciation of cultural diversity.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere, which can be extended to include LGBTQ+ individuals.
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership, relevant here in the context of inclusive education and awareness.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws and policies.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Number and quality of educational materials and programs available on human rights and historical injustices (implied by the launch of new educational materials and podcasts by the Auschwitz Museum).
   • Access to inclusive education resources in multiple languages (English and Polish).
2. SDG 5 Indicators
   • Prevalence of discriminatory laws criminalizing sexual orientation (implied by historical reference to Article 175 and its repeal in 1994).
   • Documentation and recognition of persecution cases based on sexual orientation.
3. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Number of documented cases of persecution and discrimination against minorities (e.g., estimated number of homosexual prisoners in concentration camps).
   • Legal reforms eliminating discriminatory laws (implied by historical repeal of Article 175).
4. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Availability and accessibility of public information and educational content about past human rights violations.
   • Number of institutions promoting remembrance and education on historical injustices (e.g., establishment and activities of the Auschwitz Museum).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: notesfrompoland.com