Thirty years ago, genocide took place on European soil.
Every year, Remembering Srebrenica selects a theme that reflects an aspect of the genocide that needs to be commemorated, but that also speaks to communities here in the UK.
For a milestone such as this year’s 30th anniversary, this takes on an even deeper meaning and importance. The theme for 2025 is ‘Remember Yesterday, Act Today’.
At the heart of this is a clear message about the importance of reflective remembrance alongside proactive action to safeguard against intolerance and hatred. In the words of Munira Subašić, President of the Mothers of Srebrenica, it is important to ‘learn from the past… for the future’.
Events of 1995 may seem far removed from today’s world, but they could not be more relevant. At a time when the threat of ethnic prejudice and extreme nationalism is again rearing its head in parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the threat of genocide continues to kill thousands of innocent people in other parts of the world, the Srebrenica Prayer remains a message for our time.
Here in the UK too, it is vital that we stand against all forms of hate and prejudice. By learning the lessons from Srebrenica, we build each other up so that through our actions – however big or small – we can collectively make a difference and create communities based on empathy, kindness and compassion.
As we come together this year to mark the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, let us all pledge to ‘Remember Yesterday, Act Today’.
Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide during which 8,372 Bosnian men and boys were systematically murdered in just a few days. They were murdered simply because of their Muslim identity.
The UN has described it as the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War. In a demonstration that the events of July 1995 must never be forgotten, in May 2024 the United Nations General Assembly designated 11 July as the annual Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.
The wider Bosnian War saw over 100,000 killed, thousands of women raped, and more than two million people forced from their homes between 1992 and 1995.
Today we remember those who were killed and we honour their loved ones who survived. We stand with them in heir ongoing quest for justice and for those who committed atrocities to be held to account.
In our remembrance, we also reflect on what this anniversary means for today’s increasingly polarised world and we resolve to:
• Uphold the integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a state where all have equal rights, opposing those who deny the genocide took place and who promote sectarianism today.
• Press for peace and justice globally, affirming international law and the right of all peoples to be protected from the threat of genocide.
• Stand together against hatred, discrimination, and prejudice here in the UK, and work for safer, stronger, and more cohesive communities.
Remember Yesterday. Act Today.
