Birmingham marks Srebrenica genocide anniversary with message of remembrance and unity

The event was organised by the Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network in partnership with Birmingham City Council, Remembering Srebrenica and the Honorary Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Midlands.

The commemoration honoured more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys killed in and around Srebrenica in July 1995, while also sending a message of peace, dignity and resistance to hatred and discrimination.

The programme was hosted by Emina Bolic, a young ambassador of the Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network. It opened with the documentary “WE ARE HERE”, which tells the stories of survivors and their families, focusing on loss, resilience and the rebuilding of life after genocide.

Speakers included Birmingham Deputy Lord Mayor Yvonne Mosquito, Remembering Srebrenica founder and chairman Dr Waqar Azmi OBE, Birmingham City Council leader Roger Harmer, and West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster.

“These events show what happens when hatred, division and racism are encouraged, enabled, normalised and justified,” Foster said. “We renew our commitment to a future based on mutual understanding and respect.”

One of the most emotional moments was the testimony of Amra Dautovic, a survivor of the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who came to the United Kingdom as a child after fleeing the war.

Music and art also formed an important part of the commemoration. Dr Kim Sadique of De Montfort University performed the Bosnian song of remembrance “Sto te nema?”, with special musical accompaniment composed by Bosnian artist Leila Jusic.

The audience also watched a sand animation performance by artist Bilal Kose, depicting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s journey from peace to war, through the horrors of genocide, and toward remembrance, resilience and hope.

The commemoration ended with remarks by Dr Anes Ceric, Honorary Consul of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Midlands and CEO of the Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network.

Ceric said the planned permanent Srebrenica memorial in Birmingham’s Cannon Hill Park would create a place for future generations to reflect on the consequences of hatred and the importance of protecting human dignity, human rights and peace.