The Bosnia and Herzegovina Network in the United Kingdom (BH UK Network) , in collaboration with De Montfort University-Leicester , organised a significant event — the first conference of the newly established BH UK Network Academic Advisory Board . The conference, entitled “ 30 Years Since Srebrenica” , held in the Eveson Hall at Bosnian House in Birmingham, was a powerful and moving reminder of the genocide that claimed the lives of more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys in July 1995.
The conference brought together academics, students, practitioners and community leaders from across the UK — representing eight universities — in a shared act of remembrance and learning. The event aimed not only to pay tribute to the victims and survivors, but also to stimulate meaningful dialogue about the challenges that Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to face today.
Dr. Anes Cerić, Honorary Consul and CEO of the BH UK Network, opened the conference by welcoming the attendees, both in the hall and those who followed the event virtually. He emphasized the importance of remembrance, especially in a time of genocide denial: “Thirty years have passed since the Srebrenica genocide — a crime in which more than 8,000 Bosniaks were killed. Today, we remember the victims, honor the survivors, and commit to standing up to denial and hatred.”
The rich and diverse conference program covered key topics such as the role of women in post-conflict Bosnia and Herzegovina, the trauma of war and genocide, youth education through visits to Bosnia, education about genocide, and the current constitutional crisis in the country.
The day was marked by numerous striking moments. The emotional and powerful performance of experimental theater by the author Mirsad Solaković, The Boy Who Said Nothing, provided a deeply personal insight into the experience of life in war at the age of 13. His story left a strong impression on those present and further emphasized the emotional weight of the event.
Another key feature was Dr. Kim Sadique’s unveiling of the Virtual Bosnia (Genocide) Room—an immersive learning experience that took participants through the stages of life before, during, and after genocide, using digital storytelling and visual immersion.
The afternoon panel discussion was moderated by John Coster and included Professor Eric Gordy (University College London), Dr Louise Livesey, and three outstanding undergraduate students — David Morgan, Layla Harrison and Cara Hall — from the University of Gloucestershire. Their contributions demonstrated a deep understanding of the historical context and contemporary relevance of the topic.
After the conference, the participants took with them the flower of Srebrenica — a symbol of memory — and a copy of Mirsad Solaković’s poignant book The Boy Who Said Nothing .
Dr. Kim Sadique, Chair of the BH UK Network Academic Advisory Board, expressed her gratitude for the successful day: “I was delighted to have people from all over the country join us to discuss such an important topic. I am grateful to all the speakers who made this event so engaging and inspiring, and I am already looking forward to our next conference.”
As Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to face the challenges of post-conflict and political instability, gatherings like this conference play a crucial role in promoting truth, education, and resilience. The “30 Years Since Srebrenica” conference was more than a remembrance of a dark past — it was a call to action for a more just, informed, and united future.
ŽWe would like to thank Dr. Kim Sadique, Marija Shvenko and the BH UK Network team for the excellent organization of the conference.
BH UK Network
