While visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, resided in Sarajevo and Srebrenica, where, in an interview with the Radio and Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHRT), he spoke about the importance of preserving the memory of the Srebrenica genocide, fighting against the denial of historical facts, and the future cooperation between London and the country’s cities.
The interview was recorded at the Srebrenica Memorial Center, following Khan’s conversation with the mothers of Srebrenica, victims who survived genocide, and attendance at a Friday prayer.
The Mayor of London did not hide his emotions regarding his stay in Srebrenica.
“I feel extremely humbled that I am here. This was a very emotional day. After meeting with the mothers, the survivors, and visiting the Memorial Center, a man can’t stay the same,” Khan said.
He emphasized that it was especially important to remind people about the genocide facts at a time when, as he said, misinformation and attempts to divide people spread across the world.
“Here you have a facts-based history. When you are talking with mothers whose sons were murdered, and when you see the scale of the crime, it changes you forever. Over 8,300 Bosniak men and boys were murdered, and tens of thousands of women, children, and the elderly were forcibly displaced. We must do everything we can to make sure history never repeats itself,” he emphasized.
Speaking about his role as the mayor of one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Khan said that the London experience shows how different communities can coexist.
“I live in a city that is probably globally the most diverse. Today, when some politicians are trying to divide society and dehumanize Muslims, it is important to remind ourselves of the things that connect us, rather than divide us. “
Fight against Genocide Denial
One of the key conversational points referred to the genocide denial and the spreading of misinformation.
“Unfortunately, we live in a time when lies spread much faster than the truth, especially via social media. That is why we must respond with facts. Here at the Memorial Center, there is evidence, testimonies of mothers and survivors, and judgments of the international courts. These are the facts that cannot be changed.”
He added that this is why it is important for people from across the world to come to Bosnia and Herzegovina and personally visit Srebrenica.
“I invite people to come here, to talk to the survivors and see for themselves what took place here. This is the best response to all attempts of denial.”
A Message to Political Leaders
When asked about politicians who are still using divisions and genocide denial as a part of their political rhetoric, Khan said that responsible leaders should offer hope, not fear.
“Unfortunately, there are politicians who think they will receive support by spreading hate and dividing communities. I believe that citizens’ trust is built through hope, unity, and overcoming divisions.”
He reiterated that international courts have unequivocally established that genocide was committed in Srebrenica and that it is the duty of those responsible to oppose its denial.
“Judgments exist. Facts exist. Therefore, the decent people across the world must be vocal against misinformation and revisionism.”
Khan emphasized he is proud to be the first Mayor of London to visit the Srebrenica Memorial Center.
“Mothers Are not Seeking Revenge, but Justice”
Speaking about international justice and current conflicts in the world, Khan said that he was deeply moved by what he heard from the Mothers of Srebrenica.
“They are not seeking revenge. They want justice and hope. This is a powerful message for the entire world.”
He also noted that the Anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide is commemorated in London every year, along with remembering the victims of the Holocaust, Rwanda, and other mass crimes.
“We say every year, ‘never again’, but today we witness tragedies happening in Gaza, Sudan, and other parts of the world. We must give a true meaning to these words.”
Strengthening Sarajevo-London Cooperation
In addition to topics referring to the culture of remembrance, the conversation also focused on future cooperation between London and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Khan said that during his stay in Sarajevo, he held talks with the city and cantonal officials regarding concrete projects.
“The British government is already showing significant support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we want to also help as friends and equal partners. We talked about projects featuring air-quality improvement, pollution reduction, and the development of tourism, culture, and business cooperation.
He highlighted that Sarajevo left a powerful impression on him and that he sees great developmental potential.
“I spent two days in Sarajevo, and it is a truly wonderful city. We want to help Bosnia and Herzegovina reach its full potential through tourism and development. “
At the end of an interview for BHRT, the Mayor of London reiterated that he will leave Srebrenica as a different man.
“I leave this place as a changed man. What I saw and heard today will stay with me throughout my entire life. It is our joint responsibility to preserve truth, oppose genocide denial, and build a society that will connect people, and not divide them,” concluded the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
