On 13 February, Dresden remembers the consequences of war and dictatorship. The human chain in the city centre is once again the central moment of remembrance. HTW Dresden also supports the call for participation.

Every year on 13 February, Dresden commemorates the consequences of contempt for humanity, dictatorship and nationalism. Numerous events commemorate war, violence and destruction and at the same time set an example against any political instrumentalisation of this day.

The human chain in Dresden city centre has been a central element for many years. This year, the human chain is being organised under the motto "Taking a stand together. Every day". At 5 p.m., the citizens' singing will begin in front of the Kulturpalast. Afterwards, Lord Mayor Dirk Hilbert, the Rector of TU Dresden, Prof Ursula Staudinger, and Rachel Lancaster, Lord Mayor of the twin city Coventry, will speak. The human chain is formed at 6 pm. Several thousand people then encircle the city centre hand in hand. The action will be accompanied by the ringing of bells from Dresden's churches.

The university management of HTW Dresden supports the call for participation. Rector Prof. Ingo Gestring explains: "13 February reminds us how important it is for civil society to stand together and take a joint stance in favour of peaceful coexistence. We all have a responsibility to defend our democratic values. These include tolerance, diversity and freedom of teaching and research."

Further information, background information and the route of the human chain can be found on the website of the state capital Dresden.

The human chain is part of an extensive programme on the culture of remembrance in Dresden. The complete accompanying programme is also available online.