Three Rivers commemorates Srebrenica Memorial Day

Three Rivers District Council is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Bosnian Genocide during Srebrenica Memorial Week, July 5 – 12. This year’s theme is Every Action Matters so anyone can mark the anniversary in their own way, from doing a sponsored walk to lighting a candle for the victims. Councillors signed a motion commemorating the 8,372 victims who were killed in July 1995 during the Srebrenica Genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sara Bedford, Leader of the Council, said: "This is the 25th anniversary of when more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys were murdered over a few days in mainland Europe in an act of religious genocide. It is chilling to think it happened in our lifetimes. We must do everything we possibly can to educate and support people to ensure this never happens again, anywhere in the world.

“It is now more important than ever for us to come together, no matter what our background, to celebrate diversity, and to stand together in solidarity against all forms of discrimination. We hope you will join us in mourning the loss of those who died at Srebrenica and reflecting on how we as individuals, groups, and communities can recognise each other’s humanity.”

Andy Stovold, Head of Community Partnerships, added: “The charity Remembering Srebrenica was founded in 2013 and raises awareness of the genocide in the UK. It organises the UK Srebrenica Memorial Week, which leads up to the EU-wide day of remembrance for the victims of the genocide. Genocide is a gradual process that begins when the differences between us are not celebrated but used as a reason to exclude or marginalise. By learning from the lessons of the past, we can create a safer, better future."

Remembering Srebrenica, Chairman Dr Waqar Azmi OBE, said: “This year is the 25th anniversary of the genocide that occurred in Srebrenica - the single greatest atrocity committed on European soil since the Second World War and a brutal reminder of man's inhumanity to man. I look forward to seeing councils across Britain work with local people to take actions that help to tackle hatred and build stronger, more cohesive communities whilst ensuring that the lessons from Srebrenica are never forgotten.”

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic commemoration events across the UK had to be postponed including the UK Memorial Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on Monday, July 6. However, Remembering Srebrenica has organised alternative online events that people across the world can watch including a National Online Memorial Service on Saturday, July 11 at 7pm on its Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube Channels.

A Srebrenica Virtual Exhibition has also been created which uses survivors testimony to provide a unique perspective of the genocide, was unveiled at www.srebrenica.org.uk  on Monday, July 6.

Please share what you have done on social media with the hashtag #Srebrenica25 and #ThreeRiversDC.