Uniting for Remembering Srebrenica 2023
Communities across Kirklees will come together to remember the Srebrenica genocide this July.
Between 11 and 16 July 1995, 8,372 Bosnian men and boys were tragically killed by Serb forces in the town of Srebrenica in Bosnia.
In 2009 the European Parliament declared 11 July to be the official Memorial Day to commemorate this tragedy.
Commemoration events in Dewsbury
In partnership with the 6 million+ Charitable Trust and New Vic Theatre Borderlines, Dewsbury Town Hall will host the play My Thousand Year Old Land on 13 July.
The performance is based on survivor testimonies from the genocide and war crimes that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and traditional folk songs and poetry.
6 million+ will write a song with participants and Bosnian singer Sanja Cin, for the ceremony. This will initiate the shaping of a Srebrenica flower using the traditional flowers of different cultural groups. Hava, the weeping sister, will also be in attendance.
To book a pace click here
Working with the community group Iqra Book Club, the Kirklees Council Cohesion team will also be showing a short film followed by a discussion and Q&A at Dewsbury Library on 8 July at 3pm. Please book your place by emailing iqrabookclub21@gmail.com
Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said:
“This year marks the 28th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.
Hatred, prejudice and discrimination are challenges in society we must face but more importantly stand up to.
Remembering Srebrenica gives us the opportunity to empower our communities in Kirklees to actively challenge stereotyping and hate speech and continue our drive to working towards creating communities characterised by embracing different cultures, heritage and faiths.”
The Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Cahal Burke, said:
“The tragic events that saw more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslims killed should never be forgotten.
This year’s Remembering Srebrenica is Together We Are One.
Everyone one of us, irrespective of our background, has a vital role to play in all of us coming together against hatred and division but to also focus on the things which unite us as one to create communities based on tolerance and understanding.”
Cllr Carole Pattison, Cabinet member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities said:
“We must continue to help people understand the behaviours and influences around them that can damage the cohesion of communities.
That’s why we commemorate this tragedy so we can continue to educate and equip people with the skills and confidence to challenge such behaviours and dismantle the foundations that allows intolerance to thrive.”
For further information on the work of the charity in the Yorkshire and Humber, please follow their Twitter account: Remembering Srebrenica Yorkshire and Humber Board
To keep up to date with the national organisation please visit:
Remembering Srebrenica Website