The Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina was celebrated in the Houses of Parliament in London, organized by the Bosnia & Herzegovina UK Network under the auspices of the Honorary Consulate of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Midlands region, in cooperation with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Bosnia and Herzegovina (APPG BiH).
This is the fifth year in a row that this significant date has been marked in the British Parliament, which confirms the continuous strengthening of relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Kingdom, as well as the increasingly important role of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora in the UK.
The event was attended by numerous Members of the British Parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps, partner organizations, as well as representatives of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora from across the United Kingdom.
Alicia Kearns, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Bosnia and Herzegovina, addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora in the United Kingdom, and its significant contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries. She also announced this year’s theme of commemorating the anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, which carries a strong message: “We are here”.
On behalf of the organizers, Dr. Anes Cerić, Honorary Consul of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the Midlands and Director of the Bosnia & Herzegovina UK Network, emphasizing: “We are here — as survivors, as a community and as active members of society — building a bridge between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Kingdom and together shaping a future based on resilience, partnership and mutual respect.”
It was pointed out that, although Bosnia and Herzegovina marks 34 years of independence, its history lasts more than a thousand years, shaped by a rich culture, multi-ethnic heritage and exceptional resilience. It was especially emphasized that the year 1992 is not only the moment of gaining independence, but also the beginning of severe suffering, including crimes against humanity and genocide, which are still vividly remembered today. It was warned that genocide denial is not a matter of opinion, but a conscious distortion of the truth that causes additional pain to survivors, and the importance of the culture of remembrance was highlighted. Special thanks were extended to the organization Remembering Srebrenica for their long-standing work on education and preserving the truth. This year’s theme “We are here” was recognized as a powerful message that symbolizes the presence, resilience and contribution of survivors and their descendants. The key role of the Bosnia & Herzegovina UK Network and the Bosnian-Herzegovinian community in the United Kingdom, which has been actively contributing to British society for more than three decades, while preserving its own identity and strengthening ties between the two countries, was also highlighted. The Bosnian House in Birmingham was particularly highlighted as a symbol of unity, integration and shared values.
President of the Bosnia & Herzegovina UK Network and Chairman of the organization Remembering Srebrenica UK, Dr. Waqar Azmi OBE, said: “‘We are here’, the theme for 2026, is a powerful message of resistance against genocide denial and the spread of hatred. It honors survivors who, despite great losses, rebuild their lives with dignity and says: we are here. Our children are here. Together we stand against hate and denial, building a safer and fairer society, with the UK’s continued support for the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
In his address, the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Osman Topčagić, recalled the historical significance of the referendum on independence as a key moment in the modern history of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which confirmed the will of the citizens for a sovereign and internationally recognized state. He stressed the importance of preserving stability, strengthening institutions and continuing reform processes, stressing that Bosnia and Herzegovina’s European path remains a strategic priority. He also pointed out the importance of the continued support of international partners, especially the United Kingdom, in strengthening the peace, security and democratic development of the country.
This event once again confirmed the strength and organization of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian diaspora in the UK, as well as its significant contribution to presenting Bosnia and Herzegovina in the most positive light.
