The Derby Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Association organized a traditional commemoration on the occasion of the anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, gathering survivors, members of the Bosnian community, representatives of local authorities, religious communities, partner organizations and numerous friends to pay tribute to the victims of the genocide together and once again confirm the common commitment to fostering a culture of memory, education and prevention of genocide.
This year’s theme “We Are Here” was dedicated to the strength, dignity and resilience of survivors who, after unimaginable losses, built new lives and made an invaluable contribution to the communities in which they live today.
Those present were addressed by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire Andrew Cochrane, Mayor of Derby Councilor Jonathan Smale, Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom Catherine Atkinson, President of Derby City Council Councilor Nadine Peatfield and Dr. Kim Sadique, whose inspiring address reminded them of the importance of education, fostering a culture of remembrance and resolutely opposing genocide denial.
A special contribution to the program was made by the students of the Additional School of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Derby, while the artist Bilal Köse paid tribute to the victims of Srebrenica with an emotional sand art performance.
The film “All Steps Lead to Bosnia & Herzegovina Centre”, created as part of the Connecting Solidarities project, realized by the University of Derby in partnership with the Derby Bosnia & Herzegovina Community Association, was premiered at the commemoration. The film by author Lejla Kevrić, with music by Nick Gregory, tells about the journey of the Bosnian community in Derby and its permanent contribution to the development of the city.
A particularly emotional address was given by Susanna Petrosyan, founder and president of the Armenian Women’s Network UK, who shared her own experience of displacement and emphasized the importance of solidarity among communities that have gone through war, persecution and forced migration.
The commemoration ended with the Prayer for Srebrenica, which was read by the students of the Additional School of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elma Makić and Harun Grabovica, which was followed by the laying of flowers at the memorial.
Derby remains a city that cherishes truth, memory and community.
We are here.
To remember.
To learn.
To stand together against hatred and division.
So that future generations know the truth.
