At Auschwitz, the Germans left behind barracks and watchtowers, the remains of gas chambers and the hair and personal belongings of people killed there. The “Arbeit macht frei” (work will set you free) gate is recognized the world over.

Auschwitz survivors were being joined by world leaders on Monday to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi German death camp by Soviet troops, one of the last such gatherings of those who experienced its horrors.

About 50 survivors of the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau will return to the site on Monday to remember the day it was finally liberated on 27 January 1945. They will be joined by heads of state including King Charles and other European royalty,

World leaders, royalty and dignitaries are meeting at Auschwitz-Birkenau today to mark the 80th anniversary of its liberation, but the remaining survivors and their message will remain the focus of events.