The Srebrenica Memorial Day took place at Birmingham City Hall

Birmingham: The Srebrenica Memorial Day took place at Birmingham City Hall, organised jointly by Remembering Srebrenica West Midlands regional board, the Birmingham City Council, and the Bosnia UK Network.

The event was hosted by Mat Shaer, the Chair of Remembering Srebrenica West Midlands regional board. An exhibition showcasing paintings by Robert McNeil MBE, an Ambassador of Remembering Srebrenica and a British artist who is also a forensic technician, depicted various aspects of the genocide that occurred in the Bosnian town of Srebrenica in 1995. These paintings were displayed at the Council House to help mark Srebrenica Memorial Day.

Several notable figures paid tribute to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, including the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Chaman Lal; the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street (via video call); Dr. Waqar Azmi OBE, the Chairman of Remembering Srebrenica; and Councillor Majid Mahmood, the Cabinet Member for Environment. Amina Mekic, a second-generation survivor of the genocide, shared her testimony and life experiences. Adna and Edin Dedic offered prayers for the martyrs and victims. Dr. Anes Ceric, the Manager of Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network, expressed gratitude to all the distinguished guest speakers and attendees.

This year marks the 28th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, during which more than 8,000 men and boys were tragically murdered due to their Muslim faith. The theme for Remembering Srebrenica in 2023 is “Together we are one.” Bosnia and Herzegovina has always been known for its diverse cultural and religious coexistence, where Christians, Jews, Muslims, and various other faiths lived harmoniously for centuries.

However, with the breakup of Yugoslavia, identity politics and nationalist forces emerged, seeking to establish a greater Serbia for only “pure Serbs” through ethnic cleansing and genocide of Muslims. This became what the UN calls “the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War”. This was also the worst form of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred on European soil in recent times. In light of these circumstances, the organisers emphasised the importance of uniting as people, regardless of background, to celebrate diversity, stand together in solidarity, and combat hatred in all its forms in order to build a more cohesive society and better future for all.

Report by S M Irfan Tahir Photojournalist / Member National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Great Britain.