Published Friday 11 July 2025 at 9:07
Blackburn with Darwen will mark the 30th anniversary of Srebrenica Memorial Day this week, remembering the victims of the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II.
Friday 11 July 2025 marks 30 years since the horrific killings in Srebrenica, where more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were murdered by Bosnian Serb forces in July 1995 in what the UN has described as the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War.
The wider Bosnian War saw over 100,000 killed, thousands of women tortured, and more than two million people forced from their homes between 1992 and 1995. On this solemn anniversary we remember and honour the victims, the survivors, and their families.
This year’s national theme, ‘Remember Yesterday. Act Today.’, urges communities to reflect on the lessons of the killings and pledge to prevent similar atrocities in the future.
In remembrance we reflect on what this anniversary means for today’s increasingly polarised world, our society, and how we can act today. We stand together against those who try to divide us and recommit ourselves to opposing hatred, discrimination, and prejudice whenever they rear their head.
The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Jacqueline Slater, and the Leader of the Council, Councillor Phil Riley, are pledging their support to Remembering Srebrenica and committing to uphold the values of tolerance, understanding and peace.
Cllr Slater said:
This week will mark 30 years since the horrific killings in Srebrenica where over 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were murdered because of hate.
We remember the innocent lives taken and join Remembering Srebrenica in commemorating these atrocities.
Blackburn with Darwen has always been an inclusive borough where diversity is celebrated.
Many survivors of the murders were forced to flee their homes and start new lives across the globe, including here in the UK where around 10,000 Bosnians settled.
Cllr Riley added:
Our borough is a welcoming place where diversity is valued and celebrated.
What happened in Srebrenica 30 years ago was appalling and we must continue to tackle hatred and prejudice wherever we see it.
The murders in Srebrenica is one example of what can happen when hatred and intolerance go unchallenged.
Residents, schools and community groups are encouraged to learn more about the killings in Srebrenica and take part in commemorations by visiting: Memorial Day | Remembering Srebrenica
Filed under : Memorial Day | Srebrenica genocide