More than 300 regional leaders attended a magnificent commemoration on the occasion of the genocide against Bosniaks in Srebrenica during the 1990s. The commemoration was held at the City Hall in Birmingham, the second largest city in Great Britain.
The event under the theme ” I am because you are” was organized by Bosnia UK Network in cooperation with “Remembering Srebrenica” and the City Administration of Birmingham. It was moderated by Richard Burden, chairman of the “Remembering Srebrenica” Committee for the West Midlands region.
Bosnian artists Lejla Jusić (soprano) and Elvir Solak (guitar) paid tribute to those who lost their lives in Srebrenica with moving songs and music appropriate to the occasion. During the event, the Mayor of Birmingham Ken Wood, the Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker, H.E. Osman Topčagić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Kingdom, Councillor Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Social Justice and Communities, and others shared their thoughts. They highlighted the importance of educating children about the Srebrenica genocide so that such a tragic event never happens again.
Religious leaders Nine different religions have signed a joint statement on Srebrenica, demonstrating solidarity and unity. The statement was signed on behalf of the Islamic Community of Bosniaks in the UK by the chief imam, Sedin Šahman.
Ernesa Ibišević-Hajdarević, a child survivor of the Srebrenica genocide, gave a detailed account of the tragic events that befell her family. The Mayor of Birmingham and other leaders present paid tribute to her courage and resilience.
The Srebrenica prayer was read by Selma Halilović and Edin Hajdarević, students of the Birmingham Secondary School of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Selma and Edin’s parents are by the way originally from Srebrenica.
Ebro artist Melek Ali created a flower symbol associated with Srebrenica in just a few minutes and her skill captured the hearts and minds of all present. The Executive Director of the Bosnia UK Network, Dr. Anes Cerić, thanked the local and regional authorities and distinguished guests for attending the commemoration.
The program also included an exhibition by painter Robert McNeil MBE, artist and ambassador of the organization “Remember Srebrenica”, depicting the crimes in Srebrenica and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dr Waqar Azmi OBE, Chair of Srebrenica Remembrance UK said:
“The West Midlands Regional Srebrenica Remembrance Day was a major event that brought together over 300 key leaders, including the Mayor of West Midlands Richard Parker, to pay tribute to the victims of the genocide in Bosnia and reject genocide denial and hatred. All credit goes to the CEO of BH UK Network Anes Cerić and the Chair of the West Midlands “Remembering Srebrenica” Committee Richard Burden and their teams for this great achievement.”
Also, as a sign of solidarity and support for the BiH community, the city library was illuminated green-white.
THANK YOU BIRMINGHAM AND WEST MIDLANDS!
BH UK Network
