The days of commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide are upon us. Commemorations are planned across the UK. This year marks exactly 26 years since the innocent victims of the Srebrenica genocide were killed. On this occasion , BH UK Network , in collaboration with the West Midlands Committee, Remembering Srebrenica organized a special program to pay tribute to the 8,372 brutally murdered men and boys in the genocide committed in Srebrenica in July 1995. The commemoration was held at the Bosnian House in Birmingham.
The program was opened with a short speech by Mat Shaer , Chair of the West Midlands Committee for Remembering Srebrenica. The audience was then addressed by the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Kingdom. H.E. Vanja Filipović, president of BH UK Network Zaim Pašić.
The spotlight was on two Bosnian girls, Selma Bektić and Amina Mekić , whose parents experienced the horrors of the genocide. Both were born in the UK as second generation survivors of the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They attended the BiH secondary school in Birmingham. We are proud of the girls who found the strength to speak about the sufferings of their families. They said that despite everything, they see HOPE, through the education of new generations who will find out what happened and not repeat such atrocities.
Given the current circumstances with the pandemic, the number of attendees was limited. But that did not prevent those present from remembering the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica with an appropriate program.
In memory of the victims, candles were lit. On this occasion, all those present, despite differences in race and religion, paid tribute to those who are no longer there, to those who were left behind only tears and grief. The candles were lit by; HE Vanja Filipović , Rev John W Butcher BEM, Amrick Singh Ubhi FCMI, FIC, FInstLM, FRSA, FLS, Dr. Andrew Smith, Jas Sharma , Selma Bektić , Amina Mekić, Anes Cerić , Mat Shaer , Zaim Pašić and Lejla Solaković . A minute of silence followed.
The theme for 2021 is “Renewal of Life”. The theme aims to honor the survivors and shed light on their stories that show how they have rebuilt their lives dealing, on the one hand, with the trauma of losing loved ones and livelihoods, as well as overcoming pain and suffering on a level that is difficult for others to comprehend. While on the other hand, life in reality continued. Topic It also illustrates the role that individuals, organizations, and nations have played in enabling genocide survivors to rebuild their lives, while encouraging others to reflect on their own responsibilities in combating hatred, intolerance, and genocide denial.
We thank all those who came and found time to attend the celebration of this very important event for all of us and those who followed the live program.
BH UK Network
