WE ARE HERE: The United Kingdom united in remembrance of the Srebrenica Genocide

The Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Becirovic, and Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zeljko Komsic, will join the British Minister for Europe, Stephen Doughty, and the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, alongside 700 diplomats, parliamentarians, survivors, religious, and civic leaders at the National Srebrenica Genocide Commemoration, which will take place at Church House Westminster on Monday, 13 July 2026.

The Srebrenica genocide represents the largest genocide committed on European soil since the Second World War, in which thousands of Bosniak men and boys were killed solely because of their identity.

Each year, Remembering Srebrenica UK selects a theme that highlights an aspect of the genocide that must be preserved in collective memory, but which also carries a powerful message to communities across the United Kingdom. The theme for 2026 is "We Are Here". This is the voice of the genocide survivors who, despite unimaginable losses, are here today, dignified, brave, and strong, as proof that genocide did not have the final word.

In the United Kingdom, the message "We Are Here" is visible through the successful Bosnian and Herzegovinian community which, following persecution and trauma, built new lives. However, "We Are Here" is not a message meant only for the survivors. It belongs to all of us and to our shared responsibility. When we listen, learn, and stand up against hatred, we also say: "We Are Here."

Dr Waqar Azmi OBE, Chairman of Remembering Srebrenica UK, stated: "Our theme for 2026, 'We Are Here', is a message to the perpetrators, past and present: you did not succeed. The survivors are here, their children are here. It is also a message to all of us, Britain is here and stands together in remembrance of Srebrenica. Remembrance is not passive. Standing with the survivors means making an active, visible, and courageous commitment to ensuring that hatred and division never prevail.

At a time when many communities across Britain are concerned about the rise of Islamophobia, racist rhetoric, polarization, and attempts to sow fear and distrust among people, the message 'We Are Here' represents our collective determination to build a safer and more connected society by learning the lessons from Srebrenica and decisively opposing hatred and intolerance wherever they appear."

The British Minister for Faith and Communities, Lord Lemos, stated: "The war in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the July 1995 Srebrenica genocide must never be forgotten nor erased from the collective memory of humanity. They stand as a powerful warning that hatred, if left unopposed, can engulf any society and lead to devastating consequences.

By marking this anniversary, we pay tribute to the victims and stand with their families, including those who are still searching for the remains of their loved ones. Through this year's theme 'We Are Here', we recognize the exceptional courage and resilience of the survivors, who rebuilt their lives after unimaginable losses and dedicated themselves to ensuring that future generations understand the consequences of hatred, prejudice, and division.

We also recognize the numerous Bosnians and Herzegovinians who found refuge in the United Kingdom after the war. They found more than just safety here. Thanks to the dedicated work of the Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network, Bosnian-Herzegovinian associations across the country, and the warmth of local communities, they found support, solidarity, and the opportunity to build a new life.

Over the past years, they have not only found a new home but have built successful lives, raised families, and made a lasting contribution to communities across the United Kingdom, particularly in the West Midlands, where many of them live today.

As we remember Srebrenica, we pay tribute to those who lost their lives by renewing our determination to oppose hatred wherever it appears."