Cardiff, Wales – A historic dedication ceremony for the Srebrenica Memorial Nišan took place at the National Garden of Peace in Cardiff, sponsored by the Royal British Legion, marking an important moment in Wales’ ongoing commitment to remembrance, education, and the prevention of genocide.
Organised by Remembering Srebrenica Wales, the ceremony brought together political leaders, faith representatives, civil society organisations, young people, and members of the Bosnian community to honour the victims of the Srebrenica genocide of 1995, Europe’s worst atrocity since the Second World War. The dedication marked the 30th anniversary of the genocide and took place on the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.
The memorial stone is a faithful replica of the gravestones at the Srebrenica–Potočari Memorial Cemetery in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Created by the original stone masons, ‘Klesar’ d.o.o Hadzici in Binježevo, it reflects the original design but with the Welsh memorial carrying a collective tribute to the 8,372 victims of the genocide and including inscriptions in Bosnian and English, ensuring its message is immediately understood by visitors. The stone also features Arabic script from the Quran, making it the first permanent public memorial in Wales to include a Quranic inscription. The unique memorial stone is also the only replica stone of its kind outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A Moment of Reflection and Solidarity
The ceremony opened with welcome remarks from Hayley Morgan, Chief Executive of the Wales Council for International Affairs (WCIA), followed by an introduction from Adam Poole, board member of Remembering Srebrenica Wales. A moving video presentation then provided historical context to the genocide and reflected on its lasting impact.
Abi Carter, Co-Chair of Remembering Srebrenica Wales, spoke about the significance of the 30th anniversary and introduced Mission to Remember – a programme created to fulfil the charity’s twin aims of education and commemoration. The programme includes Petals for Peace, symbolised by the white flower worn by attendees to represent the innocence of the victims and hope for the future, and Poems for Peace, a youth-led creative project developed in partnership with the University of South Wales.
Poet Abeer Ameer delivered a powerful reading from her commissioned work, including ‘Tombstone’, which is permanently inscribed on a plaque beside the memorial stone.
The Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language, addressed attendees, reflecting on why the memorial is important to Wales and reaffirming the nation’s long-standing commitment to human rights, peace, and standing firmly against hatred and intolerance.
The importance of the memorial to the people of Bosnia and closing remarks were delivered by Dr Waqar Azmi OBE, Chair of Remembering Srebrenica UK, who reiterated the organisation’s mission to educate future generations and challenge hatred in all its forms.
Voices of the Future
One of the most moving elements of the ceremony was the involvement of young people, including Srebrenica Youth Ambassadors, Children’s Commissioner Student Ambassador, Armed Forces cadets, representatives of the Welsh Youth Parliament, and youth volunteers from South Wales Police, who laid white flowers in remembrance of the victims. The flowers and peace wreaths were laid whilst interfaith reflections were read by the elders of the Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities; Dr Abdul Azim Ahmed, Reverend Canon Andrew Lightbown and Stanley Soffa respectively. The ceremony concluded with a prayer over the memorial stone written by Asim Hafeez, Director of International Strategy, Engagement and Devolution at the Home Office and delivered by Shaykh Dr Mansur Ali.
During the proceedings, on behalf of Remembering Srebrenica UK and Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network, Abi Carter was presented with an Award for Outstanding Contribution in recognition of “her extraordinary dedication to preserving the memory of the Bosnian genocide, promoting community cohesion and providing distinguished leadership as Chair of Remembering Srebrenica Wales”. Dr Waqar Azmi OBE invited her Co-Chair, Prof Saleem Kidwai OBE, The Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS and The Lord Mayor of Cardiff to present her with her award.
Dr Anes Cerić, Honorary Consul of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Midlands and CEO of the Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network, added:
“With sincere gratitude, we thank Wales for its continued leadership in remembrance and peace-building. This memorial stands as a powerful symbol of solidarity and shared humanity.”
Abi Carter, Co-Chair of Remembering Srebrenica Wales, said:
“The placement of a replica of the gravestones that stand in the Srebrenica–Potočari Memorial Cemetery within Wales’ National Garden of Peace is a fitting and meaningful act of remembrance for the innocent lives lost in the Srebrenica genocide. It provides the Bosnian-Welsh community, and future generations, with a place to visit, learn, remember, and reflect.”
Dr Waqar Azmi OBE, Chairman of Remembering Srebrenica UK, said:
“The placement of this gravestone in the Welsh National Peace Garden is a historic moment. Through the leadership of Abi Carter, Co-Chair of our Remembering Srebrenica Welsh Board, Wales has created a powerful and permanent link to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide. This act of remembrance honours those who were murdered while reminding us of the devastating consequences of hatred and the urgent importance of building more cohesive, compassionate communities.”
A Lasting Legacy of Remembrance and Education
Alongside the physical memorial, Remembering Srebrenica Wales is strengthening its educational work through the Bosnia Room within an immersive metaverse learning environment, which has already been created to support schools, youth organisations, and educators. The digital space enables learners to explore the history of the Srebrenica genocide, engage with survivor testimony, and reflect on the consequences of hatred, genocide denial, and intolerance.
Together, the permanent memorial stone, the travelling 3D printed educational stone model, and the Bosnia Room in the metaverse form a lasting legacy of remembrance, education, and vigilance, ensuring the lessons of Srebrenica remain accessible, relevant, and meaningful for generations to come.
Photo credit & thanks: Aled Hopkins Photography