Cardiff, 2 July 2025 – The Welsh Parliament building, known as the Senedd, last night hosted a dignified and moving national event to mark the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, in which more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed in July 1995 during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 
The national commemoration in Wales was organised by Remembering Srebrenica Wales and was attended by senior political leaders, diplomats, artists, survivors and members of the public – united in remembrance and solidarity against hatred and genocide.
The event began with a welcome speech by Ms Elin Jones, Speaker of the Welsh Parliament, followed by an introductory speech by Abi Carter, Co-Chair of Remembering Srebrenica Wales. A short film was also shown to contextualise the tragedy and highlight its significance. 
contemporary importance.
One of the highlights was the unveiling of a memorial stone, jointly carried out by Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales, and H.E. Osman Topčagić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Kingdom and Ireland. This stone will be permanently placed in the National Peace Garden in Wales, next to the Temple of Peace, as an eternal memorial to Srebrenica. 
A specially commissioned song was performed by the poet Abeer Ameer, while the powerful musical performances “White Flower”, “Deaf Silence” and “Bosna” were performed by Elvir Solak and Ivan Šarić from the Sarajevo National Theater – thus emphasizing the international significance of the commemoration.
One of the most emotional moments was the testimony of survivor Ernese Ibišević-Hajdarević, whose words powerfully conveyed the gravity of the genocide to this day.
Dr Abdul Azim Ahmed, General Secretary of the Muslim Council of Wales, spoke on the theme: “Remember Yesterday – Act Today.”
The laying of peace wreaths and the reading of the Pledge of Remembrance followed, with the participation of leading Welsh political figures, including Darren Millar, Leader of the Conservative Party, Rhun ap Iorwerth, Leader of Plaid Cymru, and Jane Hutt, Cabinet Member and event organiser. Also attending were Dr Anes Cerić, Honorary Consul of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Midlands and Director of the BH UK Network, and Prof. Saleem Kidwai OBE, Co-Chair of Remembering Srebrenica Wales. Also present were the Mayor of Cardiff, Mr Adrian Robson, and the Mayor of Aberaeron, Mr Tim Archer, with their spouses.
The programme concluded with closing thoughts from David Melding CBE and a closing speech from Elin Jones, who reiterated Wales’ commitment to opposing genocide denial and all forms of hatred.
As part of the ceremony, a special painting by author Robert McNeil MBE, Ambassador of Remembering Srebrenica UK and long-time advocate for genocide education, was also unveiled.
Abi Carter said: _”We were honored by the presence of the Prime Minister of Wales and the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Kingdom. Their presence reminded us that remembrance must transcend borders, politics and generations. We are proud that we have succeeded in erecting a replica of the sight dedicated to all 8,372 victims of the genocide, and that it will be located in the most famous place in Wales dedicated to peace and remembrance.”_
This commemoration in the heart of the Welsh capital was one of many events across the UK marking the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide – with the aim of ensuring that the victims are never forgotten and that the lessons of the past continue to guide the path to peace, tolerance and justice.
BH UK Network
