Srebrenica Memorial Day 2026 - Statement of Commemoration

Ahead of Srebrenica Memorial Day on Saturday, Amber Valley Borough Council is joining communities across the UK to remember the victims of the Srebrenica genocide and honour the strength and resilience of those who survived.

11 July has been designated as the official day of remembrance for the victims of Srebrenica. During this week each year, communities across the country honour the victims and survivors of the genocide, and pledge to create a better, stronger and more cohesive society in the United Kingdom.

This year marks the 31st anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, in which over 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were murdered in the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War because of their identity.

The lessons from Srebrenica are that hatred and intolerance can flourish if left unchallenged which underlines the importance of why we must never forget about the tragic events that took place and remain resolute in our commitment to tackling hatred, intolerance, prejudice and discrimination in all forms.

Every year, Remembering Srebrenica selects a theme that reflects an aspect of the genocide that must be commemorated, but also speaks to communities here in the UK. 

The 31st anniversary theme is “We Are Here.” It honours the resilience of survivors of the Bosnian genocide and recognises their continued presence, strength and contribution, both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and here in the United Kingdom.

The theme also speaks to our shared responsibility. “We Are Here” is not only a statement of survival, but a call to action. It reminds us that genocide begins with hatred, division and dehumanisation left unchallenged. As these forces continue to threaten communities today, the theme encourages us all to stand together, reject hatred, and actively build a more cohesive and inclusive society.

The 31st anniversary is a crucial moment not only to remember, but to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.

To find out more, visit srebrenica.org.uk/memorial-day.

Flying the flag for Srebrenica

As part of our commemoration, the Srebrenica flag will be flown at Ripley Town Hall on 11 July. This public display of solidarity honours the victims and survivors and reaffirms our commitment to standing against hatred and division in all its forms.

Candle lighting

We will light candles at our main reception at the Town Hall in Ripley on Friday 10 July in remembrance of the lives lost and destroyed by hatred:

• We remember the 8,372 mostly Muslim men and boys who were murdered in Srebrenica on 11th July 1995.
• We remember the survivors of the Death March, and the men who survived the mass executions, and honour their courage in telling their stories.
• We remember the Mothers of Srebrenica, who grieve every day for their missing and murdered relatives and who fight tirelessly for truth and justice.
• We remember the elderly, the sick and the children murdered during the fall of Srebrenica.
• We remember those murdered in concentration camps throughout the Bosnian conflict, and those who survived torture and starvation within the camps.
• We remember over 11,000 people killed in the siege of Sarajevo, of which 1601 were children.
• We remember the women and girls that were violated during the Bosnian War, those who took their own lives, and those who live on with physical and emotional scars.
• We remember the children who grew up during a time of conflict, and the loss of their childhood to war.
• We remember the innocent civilians killed in all regions of Bosnia during the conflict.
• We remember those who defended their neighbours in a war not of their making.
• We remember the 2 million Bosnians who were forcibly displaced from their homes and communities through ethnic cleansing, and especially those who remain internally displaced today.

 

Contact the team directly on 01773 570222 or email enquiry@ambervalley.gov.uk