Remembering Srebrenica

This year a special service at Sunderland Minster will mark the 27th anniversary of the Bosnian Genocide; described by the United Nations as the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War. 

The service will take place on Monday 11 July, the official day of remembrance for the victims of Srebrenica.

During the struggle for control of Bosnia following the break-up of the former wider state of Yugoslavia, 8,372 predominantly Bosnian Muslim men and boys were murdered by the opposing factions which included Bosnian Serbs and Croats. 

This is the seventh annual event that has been commemorated in Sunderland and aims to bring together people of all faiths to honour the victims of Srebrenica, while raising awareness about the significance of building a cohesive society.

Remembering Srebrenica's theme for 2022 is 'Combatting Denial: Challenging Hatred'.

The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Alison Smith, said: "This special service will remember and honour the victims and survivors of Srebrenica and honour the two million people who were displaced during the genocide and ethnic cleansing in Bosnia.

"This year's theme of Combatting Denial and Challenging Hatred is important, as denial of the Srebrenica genocide as well as the crimes against humanity committed across Bosnia and Herzegovina between 1992 to 1995 remains prevalent. The theme for 2022 seeks to shine a light on both the importance of combatting denial and the need to confront the hatred behind the denial."

As part of the commemoration, on 11 July Sunderland's monuments and landmarks will also be lit up in green and white in honour of all those who lost their lives 27 years ago and the city will be flying the Remembering Srebrenica flag at City Hall all next week.

The Remembering Srebrenica service is an open service which everyone is very welcome to attend. It takes place at Sunderland Minster at 6.30pm on Monday 11 July.