The UK marks National Srebrenica Memorial Day with over 1,000 acts of commemoration taking place nationwide. Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, President Denis Bećirović, and Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, President Željko Komšić, will join UK Minister of State for Europe Stephen Doughty, Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan, together with 700 diplomats, parliamentarians, survivors, faith leaders and civic leaders, at the UK National Srebrenica Memorial Day Ceremony at Church House, Westminster, on Monday 13 July 2026.
The Srebrenica genocide was the biggest genocide on European soil since the Second World War, in which thousands of Bosniak Muslim men and boys were murdered simply because of their identity.
Each year, Remembering Srebrenica UK selects a theme that reflects an aspect of the genocide that must be commemorated while also speaking to communities in the UK. The theme for 2026 is “We Are Here”. It is the voice of the survivors of the genocide who endured unimaginable loss, yet stand today with dignity, courage and strength as proof that genocide did not have the final word.
In the UK, “We Are Here” is visible in the thriving Bosnian community that has rebuilt lives after displacement and trauma. But “We Are Here” does not belong to survivors alone. It belongs to all of us and to our shared responsibility as a society. When we listen, when we learn and when we speak out against hatred, we too say: “We Are Here”.
Dr Waqar Azmi OBE, Chair of Remembering Srebrenica UK, said:
“Our 2026 theme, “We Are Here, is a message to perpetrators, past and present: you did not succeed. Survivors are here, and their children are here. It is also a message to all of us: Britain is here and stands together to remember Srebrenica.
Remembrance is not passive. To stand with survivors is to commit ourselves actively, visibly and courageously to ensuring that hatred and division do not prevail.
At a time when many communities across Britain are concerned by rising anti-Muslim hatred, racist rhetoric, polarisation, and attempts to sow fear and mistrust between neighbours, “We Are Here” to build safer and more cohesive communities by learning the lessons of Srebrenica and challenging hatred and intolerance wherever they appear.”
The UK Minister of State for Faith and Communities, Lord Lemos said:
“The Bosnian War and the Srebrenica genocide of July 1995 must never be allowed to fade from the world’s collective memory. They stand as a stark reminder that hatred, when left unchecked, can take hold in any society, with devastating consequences.
“As we mark this anniversary, we remember the victims and stand with their families, including those who continue the heartbreaking search for the remains of their loved ones. Through this year’s theme, ‘We Are Here’, we also pay tribute to the extraordinary courage and resilience of the survivors, those who rebuilt their lives after unimaginable loss and who have dedicated themselves to ensuring that future generations understand the consequences of hatred, prejudice and division.
“We also recognise the many Bosnian individuals and families who came to the United Kingdom after enduring the unimaginable trauma of war. Here, they found far more than a place of safety. Through the dedication and commitment of the Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network, alongside Bosnian associations across the country, and the warmth of host communities, they found support, solidarity and the opportunity to rebuild their lives.
“In the years since, they have not only settled but flourished, putting down roots, raising families and making lasting contributions that have enriched communities across the United Kingdom, particularly in the West Midlands, where many have made their home.
“As we remember Srebrenica, we honour those who were lost by renewing our commitment to challenge hatred wherever it appears.”
BHDINFODESK
