Arnesa Buljusmic-Kustura of Remembering Srebrenica says tuning into the UK National Srebrenica Memorial Day Commemoration this Saturday is a chance for people across the globe who “looked away” during the genocide to pay respect to the victims and survivors.
UK charity Remembering Srebrenicawill be broadcasting the UK National Srebrenica Memorial Day Commemoration online via their social media accounts of Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook on Saturday, July 11 at 7pm (British Summer Time) in remembrance of the 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica Massacre.
During the online Memorial Day event, genocide survivors including Munira Subašić, Suhra Sinanovic, Selma Jahic and Mevlida Lazibi will share their personal experiences.
“Please, tune in and honor them by hearing their powerful stories,” Remembering Srebrenica wrote in a Facebook post on Thursday.
The event compère Arnesa Buljusmic-Kustura, who is also Operations Manager of Remembering Srebrenica, spoke to the Sarajevo Times about the importance of global citizens attending the online commemorations in order to repair the past and build the future.
“In the 90’s, most of the world looked away as Bosnian Muslims across the country were massacred en masse which would cumulate into the worst genocide on European soil following the Holocaust,” she said.
“Today, 25 years after the fact, people have an opportunity to rectify the past by honouring the victims and survivors and listening to their stories.
“Now, more than ever before, we have a responsibility towards each other to learn the lessons of the Bosnian genocide and the consequences of hatred in order to hopefully band together and stand against future crimes and atrocities,” said Ms. Buljusmic-Kustura.
According to the UK charity, several notable global representatives will be taking part as speakers in the commemorative event.
“We are delighted to announce that the programme of speakers will include HRH Prince Charles, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the UN Special Envoy, Angelina Jolie,” Remembering Srebrenica wrote on their website.
The event’s speaking lineup will also include Sefik Dzaferovic, Bosniak member and Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Zeljko Komsic, the Croat member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina; and Husein Kavazovic the Grand Mufti of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as various other prominent international spokespeople from relevant associations.
The keynote speaker is yet to be announced.
“Please join us as we mark 25 years since the worst atrocity on European soil after The Holocaust”, the event description on Remembering Srebrenica’s Facebook states.
On Thursday evening, Ms. Buljusmic-Kustura posted on Twitter the following message:
“If you’re tired of all the Bosnian genocide talk, just think of how tired we are of talking about the most horrific and brutal lived experiences of our lives.
“For a week, some people get to hear us.
“The rest of the time, the pain is ours to bear alone.”
Remembering Srebrenica launched the first-ever virtual exhibition featuring contributions from Bosnian genocide survivors from across the world, entitled ‘Remnants of Genocide’ on Monday, as part of the charity’s week-long memorial events to mark 25 years since the Srebrenica massacre.
Written by Miya Yamanouchi for the Sarajevo Times
