This week marks the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, where over eight thousand Bosnian Muslims were killed. It is also an opportunity to remember the many thousands of women and girls who suffered rape, sexual abuse and torture at this time.

 

This was one of the most horrific events in Europe over the last seventy years and we need to remember it, not just to mourn those who suffered and were murdered, but to also help us to understand how this was allowed to happen.

 

In this borough, we stand up against hatred and prejudice and we owe it to those who were killed or had their lives torn apart at Srebrenica, to make sure we do everything we can to stop hatred and injustice.

We must never forget the thousands of Bosnian Muslims who were murdered at the time in Srebrenica. Twenty five years have passed but hatred and injustice is still part of our daily life and every action we take can help to effect change.

This year’s Srebrenica Memorial Day Theme is “Every Action Matters” and it asks everyone to reflect on their behaviour and choices. We can all make a difference and every action we take, no matter how big or small, can help to affect change. 

 

In honour and memory of those who lost their lives, we will be raising the Srebrenica Memorial flag above the town hall this week and the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, Cllr Saima Ashraf, will be speaking at a special online memorial event on Thursday, alongside Councillors from several other East London Councils. Members of the public can also attend virtually, by registering for a place here - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z84jC7LDRAe7evtAv4JX0g 

 

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, Cllr Saima Ashraf said: “We must never forget the thousands of Bosnian Muslims who were murdered at the time in Srebrenica. Twenty five years have passed but hatred and injustice is still part of our daily life and every action we take can help to effect change.

 

“We must stand up against hatred and prejudice in the hope we don’t experience an atrocity like this again.”