The historic unveiling of the Srebrenica Memorial Stone took place in the National Peace Garden in Cardiff, marking an important moment in Wales’ continued commitment to a culture of remembrance, education and the prevention of genocide.
The ceremony was organized by the organization Remembering Srebrenica Wales, and brought together political leaders, representatives of religious communities, civil society organizations, youth, and members of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian community.A moment of remembrance and solidarity
The event was dedicated to the memory of the victims of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, the biggest crime in Europe since World War II, and was held on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the genocide. The newly erected memorial stone will serve as a permanent place of remembrance, learning and reflection in Wales.
The program opened with an opening address by Hayley Morgan, Executive Director of WCIA, followed by an introduction to the commemoration by Adam Poole, Program Director and Board Member of Remembering Srebrenica. An emotional video was then shown to provide historical context for the Srebrenica genocide.
Abi Carter, co-chair of Remembering Srebrenica Wales, spoke about the significance of the 30th anniversary of the genocide and the importance of the memorial stone project. Voices of memory
Poet Abeer Ameer performed a powerful rendition of ‘Tombstone’, setting a deeply reflective tone to the ceremony.
The Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, Minister for Finance and the Welsh Language, spoke about the significance of this memorial for Wales, highlighting the country’s long-standing commitment to human rights, peace and resolute opposition to hatred and intolerance.
Closing remarks were given by Dr Waqar Azmi OBE, President of Remembering Srebrenica UK, who reaffirmed the organization’s mission to educate future generations and oppose hatred in all its forms.
A particularly powerful part of the ceremony was the participation of young people, including Srebrenica Youth Ambassadors, Sea Cadets, representatives of the Welsh Youth Parliament and young volunteers from South Wales Police, who laid white flowers in memory of the victims.The commemoration concluded with a prayer at the memorial stone led by Asim Hafeez, Director of International Strategy, Engagement and Devolution at the UK Home Office.
Abi Carter, Co-Chair of Remembering Srebrenica Wales, said: “The installation of a replica of the nišan tombstones located at the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial Centre in the National Peace Garden in Wales is a fitting and powerful act of remembrance for the innocent lives lost in the Srebrenica genocide. This memorial provides the Bosnian-Welsh community, as well as future generations, with a place to visit, learn, remember and reflect. It is particularly symbolic that the memorial was unveiled on 9 December, the International Day of Remembrance and Dignity for the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and for the Prevention of this Crime, and we are deeply grateful to all the officials who took part in this historic moment.” 
Dr Anes Cerić, Honorary Consul of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Midlands and Executive Director of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Network in the United Kingdom, added: “With sincere gratitude, we extend our thanks to Wales for its continued leadership in the culture of remembrance and peacebuilding. We would like to express our special thanks to the board members and volunteers of Remembering Srebrenica Wales for their dedication and tireless work. We would like to express our special thanks to Abi Carter for her leadership and commitment in the realization of this extremely important memorial.” 
Lasting legacyThe unveiling of the Srebrenica Memorial Stone in Wales represents a lasting legacy of a culture of remembrance, education and a strong commitment to combating genocide denial, hatred and intolerance. This monument will serve as a place of silence and reflection for generations to come, and as a powerful reminder of the importance of vigilance, compassion and solidarity.
