A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held at Westminster Abbey in London to mark the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, in which more than 8.000 Bosniaks – men and boys – were killed in July 1995.
The event was organized by “Remembering Srebrenica United Kingdom (UK)” and gathered survivors, religious leaders, diplomats, and high representatives of the UK government in a powerful act of remembrance.
The ceremony was opened by the resident canon of Westminster Abbey, after which Dr. Waqar Azmi OBE, president of the organization “Remembering Srebrenica UK,” addressed those present.
Sara Hukic, who survived the genocide in Srebrenica, shared a moving testimony, and then Lord Wajid Khan, Minister for Faith, Communities and Resettlement, delivered a message on behalf of the Government of the UK.
The prayers were led by the abbey’s clergy, and the “Srebrenica Prayer” was recited by Imam Sedin Sahman. Wreaths were then laid by Lord Khan, Member of Parliament of the UK, Caroline Nokes, survivor Mevlida Lazibi, and the Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to the UK, Osman Topcagic, followed by a minute of silence.
The Mayor of Westminster and other guests laid individual flowers at the memorial, and the ceremony concluded with tea and light refreshments in the abbey cloister.
This commemoration was a powerful reminder to “remember yesterday, act today” – against hatred and in honor of the resilience of the survivors.
Westminster Abbey is one of the most important religious and historical sites in the UK. Located in the heart of London, this impressive Gothic church has been the site of UK monarchs’ coronations for nearly a thousand years, and is also a symbol of national remembrance. Opening the doors of this institution to commemorate the anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica sends a strong message of compassion, respect, and lasting solidarity with the BiH community, N1 writes.
