On Friday 11th July, we held a deeply moving Srebrenica Memorial Day at the Bosnia & Herzegovina Centre in Derby to mark 30 years since the genocide in Srebrenica – the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II.

Despite the very high temperatures, the event was well attended by members of the community, local leaders, and supporters from across the region, united in remembrance and solidarity.

The event was chaired by our dedicated volunteer Billie Crawford and featured a powerful series of reflections, poetry, and testimony.
Mirza Ghounem, Chair of the Derby Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Association, opened the event with a heartfelt welcome.

Charles Whittaker read a moving poem written by himself especially for the occasion, followed by a Bosnian reading by Aida Rajic.
Jasmin Dajic, a genocide survivor from Manchester, gave a powerful and emotional testimony, reminding us of the real human cost of hatred and war.
Ramiz Zahirovic and Dženita Salkic, both second-generation genocide survivors, shared deeply personal poems and prayers, carrying the legacy of remembrance forward with strength and dignity.

We were honoured to be joined by several distinguished guests, including His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Elizabeth Fothergill, The Mayor of Derby, Councillor Ajit Atwal, Member of Parliament for Derby North, Catherine Atkinson, Dr. Kim Sadique, Chair of the Remembering Srebrenica East Midlands Board, Nadine Peatfield, leader of the Derby City Council and many more.

At the end of the programme, everyone gathered outside the Centre to lay flowers at our memorial monument, paying silent tribute to the 8,372 victims of the genocide.
On Thursday, we also raised the Remembering Srebrenica flag outside Derby City Council, where it will remain flying until today, 14th July. The flag flying high above the city of Derby serves as a visible reminder of the consequences of hatred and the need to stand together for truth, peace, and justice.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this important event. Your presence means so much to our community.

“Never forget. Never again.”