I visited Srebrenica to pay tribute to the many people who lost their lives when the most terrible of crimes were committed there, the crime of genocide. Remembering what happened in Srebrenica is not only about revisiting the event of the past. It is also about providing institutional support to the survivors and those who mourn the lives that were lost.
The lessons of Srebrenica are many, in Srebrenica, we learn that the survivors and witnesses are true heroes. They displayed immense courage by going to the courts to testify against those who harmed them. Their perseverance makes humanity proud. We also learn that genocide is part of a process and that it can be prevented. This is the most important lesson of all because it can lead to actionable change. I strongly believe that a meaningful commitment to remember is required and equally robust commitment to prevent.
My message to political and civic leaders all over the world is that no society is immune, and we need to build all possible barriers against risk factors that lead to genocide. I am increasingly concerned at the instances of incitement to hatred, hate crimes and xenophobia that are present today in many corners of Western Europe. By explaining what happened in Srebrenica and by mobilising entire communities, Remembering Srebrenica is directly contributing against atrocity crimes in the United Kingdom.
