Srebrenica Memorial Day is to be marked once again in Hull, with this year’s annual event at the Guildhall taking place 30 years on since the atrocities committed in the town in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Thousands of people were killed in the genocide in the country, with 8,000 Bosnian Muslim people murdered on a single July day in Srebrenica in 1995.
Millions of people were displaced by the conflict, with around 10,000 people coming to the UK.
This year’s commemoration event on Thursday 10 July will include prayers at the Peace Garden in Hanover Square, ahead of the raising of the flag of Srebrenica.
The Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, said: “30 years on from the horrors of Srebrenica, it still remains a very poignant time for those who lost friends and family members.
“We will come together to remember them and the thousands of other people killed during the Bosnian War.
“It will also allow us to show our solidarity with anyone who is currently affected by conflict, as we send the message that we are against genocide in any form.”
The theme chosen by the Remembering Srebrenica organisers this year is ‘Remember Yesterday, Act Today’, with a clear message about the importance of reflective remembrance alongside proactive action to safeguard against intolerance and hatred.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Cheryl Payne, will attend this year’s gathering.
She said: “Hull is a Sanctuary City, and it is important that people displaced from their own land because of war know that they are welcome here.
“Events like these are important in helping to create a strong and cohesive society, as we focus on being inclusive and working to ensure people feel safe and welcomed in our community.”
You can register an interest in attending this year’s event by emailing events@hullcc.gov.uk.
