Wirral Marks Srebrenica Memorial Day
Tomorrow (11 July) is Srebrenica Memorial Day, when individuals and organisations around the world remember the victims of the Bosnian genocide and pledge to challenge hatred, prejudice and discrimination wherever they occur.
The genocide in 1995 - 31 years ago to the day - saw more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys murdered in Srebrenica. Communities across the UK and beyond continue to honour those who lost their lives and reflect on the importance of building cohesive and inclusive societies.
In 2018, Wirral Council pledged to mark Srebrenica Memorial Day each year and support efforts to tackle hatred and intolerance in all its forms.
The borough's commitment to remembrance has included practical acts of commemoration. Earlier this year, former Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Brian Kenny, joined local residents and representatives from the Wirral Deen Centre to plant a tree in memory of those who lost their lives.
Local organisations have also continued to promote the message of unity and understanding. Earlier this year, Remembering Srebrenica North West, the Wirral Deen Centre and Wirral NEU came together to host the annual We Are One Football Festival at Shafts Youth Club, bringing together people of all ages from across Wirral, Liverpool and Bolton.
With groups from Wirral, Liverpool and even Bolton, across a considerable age-range, good fun was had by everyone playing together in the spirit of unity and raising awareness of the dangers of hate speech and the power of respect.
Thanks to organisers Raj and Andy at the Wirral Deen Centre, our hosts at Shafts Youth Club, and everyone who contributed to a great afternoon.
The borough's commitment to challenging prejudice continues throughout the year. Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Mary Jordan, recently attended a Show Racism the Red Card event, while pupils from schools across the borough took part in an educational event at Tranmere Rovers to learn about the Bosnian genocide, Islamophobia and racism.
Srebrenica Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to remember the thousands of innocent people who were killed and to reflect on the devastating consequences of hatred, prejudice and division.
By learning from the past and supporting initiatives that promote understanding, respect and inclusion, we can all help build stronger communities and ensure the lessons of Srebrenica are never forgotten.
Residents are encouraged to take a moment on 11 July to remember those affected by the genocide and reflect on how we can all help build stronger, safer and more welcoming communities.
To find out more about the work of Remembering Srebrenica, visit www.srebrenica.org.uk.
