The United Kingdom will commemorate the National Day of Remembering Srebrenica Genocide with more than 1,000 commemorative programs across the country. The Chair of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović, and he Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Željko Komšić, will join the British Minister of State for Europe, Stephen Doughty, the Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan, along 700 diplomats, parliamentarians, survivors, religious and civic leaders, at the National commemoration of Srebrenica Genocide, which will be held in Church House Westminster on Monday, July 13, 2026.
The Srebrenica genocide represents the largest genocide committed on European soil since the Second World War, in which thousands of Bosniak men and young boys were murdered solely for their identity.
Every year, Remembering Srebrenica UK selects a topic that highlights one aspect of genocide that must be preserved in collective memory, and sends a powerful message to communities across the United Kingdom. The topic for 2026 is “We Are Here.” This is the voice of genocide survivors who, despite unimaginable losses, are here today – dignified, brave, and strong – as proof that genocide did not have the last word.
In the United Kingdom, the message “We Are Here” is visible in a successful Bosnian-Herzegovinian community that, after exile and trauma, built new lives. However, “We Are Here” is not a message dedicated solely to survivors. It belongs to all of us and is our mutual responsibility. When we are listening, learning, and standing up to hatred, we are also saying:” We Are Here.”
Dr. Waqar Azmi OBE, the Chair of the Remembering Srebrenica UK organization, said: “Our 2026 topic, ‘We Are Here’, is a message to those who committed the genocide, past and present: you failed. The survivors are here, their children are here. This is also a message to all of us – Britain is here and stands together in remembering Srebrenica. Remembrance is not passive. To stand with survivors means actively, visibly, and bravely to oblige that hatred and divisions never prevail.
At a time when many communities across Britain are worried about the increase of Islamophobia, racist rhetoric, polarization, and attempts to sow fear and distrust among people, the message “We Are Here” represents our communal decisiveness to build a safer and more connected society through learning lessons from Srebrenica and firmly opposing hatred and intolerance wherever it emerges.
British Minister for Religion and Communities, Lord Lemos, said: “War in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Srebrenica genocide in July 1995, must never be forgotten or erased from the collective memory of mankind. They represent a powerful warning that hatred, if not confronted, can take over every society and lead to devastating consequences.
By commemorating this anniversary, we are paying tribute to the victims and standing with their families, including those still searching for the mortal remains of their loved ones. With this year’s topic “We Are Here,” we are also honoring the exceptional bravery and resilience of the survivors, who, after unimaginable losses, rebuilt their lives and dedicated themselves to ensuring that future generations understand the consequences of hatred, prejudice, and divisions.
We are also paying our respects to many Bosnians and Herzegovinians who, after the war, found a sanctuary in the United Kingdom. Security is not the only thing they found here. Thanks to the devoted work of the Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network, Bosnian-Herzegovinian associations across the countries, and the warmth of the local communities, they found support, solidarity, and a chance to build a new life.
Over the past years, not only have they found a new home, but they also built successful lives, raised families, and made a permanent contribution to communities across the United Kingdom, especially in the West Midlands, where many live.
As we remember Srebrenica, we honor those who lost their lives, while renewing our resolve to confront hate wherever it appears. “
