United Kingdom: Online commemoration for victims of Srebrenica genocide

BIRN BiH

The Remembering Srebrenica Organization and the BH UK Network have worked extensively in recent months to organize a central commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, scheduled to take place at St Paul's Cathedral in London in July, BH UK Network in their statement on Tuesday.

Speakers confirmed include the head of Bosnia's Islamic Community, as well as senior members of the British government.

“Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the central commemoration has been delayed until next year, as the well-being of guests and speakers during this crisis is a priority,” BH UK Network said. “Although this news was widely anticipated following the measures taken by the UK on social distance, it is disappointing that we will not be able to mark this momentous anniversary as we had hoped.”

They also announced that a historic Internet memorial will be organized and held on the evening of Saturday, July 11, 2020, on the occasion of Srebrenica Remembrance Day. The event will be broadcast on many channels and social networks, and will feature video testimonials and messages from survivors and key figures, they added.

According to the official statement, the organisation will create a virtual museum that will enable millions of people around the world to learn about personal stories from the war and genocide in Bosnia.

The online museum will be “opened” during the Srebrenica Remembrance Week as part of its 25th anniversary. The goal of the Museum, they said, is to provide a platform for survivors to not only share of their personal story but to commemorate those who are no longer with us.

Personal applications for the Museum can be sent by Friday, May 22, to the following emails:[email protected]or [email protected].

Over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed in Srebrenica, in July 1995. Some of the surviving victims returned to Srebrenica, the others were scattered around the world.

Remembering Srebrenica operates in schools across the UK and has worked with over 95,000 children through educational packages on lessons learned from the Srebrenica genocide and other educational activities. They organized close to 7,500 commemorative events and activities across the UK, 1,350 activists who helped organize these activities and pledged to combat hatred and intolerance in their local communities.