Published Thursday 9 July 2026 at 12:22
During Srebrenica Memorial Week, the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen and the Council Leader are pledging to learn from the lessons of history to help to keep the borough one where difference and diversity is celebrated.
Srebrenica Memorial Day, which falls on 11 July each year, marks the anniversary of the massacre that saw more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys killed during the Bosnian War.
Saturday 11 July 2026 marks 31 years since the horrific killings in Srebrenica, 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, ‘We Are Here’ is about hearing the voices of survivors who endured unimaginable loss yet stand today with dignity, courage and strength.
The Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Phil Riley, and Blackburn with Darwen’s Mayor Councillor Mahfooz Hussain are pledging their support to Remembering Srebrenica and committing to uphold the values of tolerance, understanding and peace.
The Mayor, Councillor Hussain, said:
What happened in Srebrenica, Bosnia in July 1995 was horrific – the worst atrocity in Europe since the Second World War.
In remembrance of the victims of Srebrenica, 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.
Many survivors of the murders in 1995 were forced to flee their homes and start new lives across the globe, including in the UK where around 10,000 Bosnians settled. Some settled in the borough showing that local residents want to offer support to help victims to rebuild their lives.
Councillor Riley added:
Blackburn with Darwen is a welcoming place where diversity is valued and celebrated.
What happened in Srebrenica over 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 https://srebrenica.org.uk/learn
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