West Northamptonshire to mark Srebrenica genocide with remembrance ceremony

Residents are invited to attend a special remembrance ceremony in Northampton to honour the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, marking more than three decades since the atrocity.

The event will take place on Thursday 9 July at midday in the Guildhall courtyard, St Giles’ Square, Northampton, where representatives from West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and community leaders will come together with local people to pay tribute.

In July 1995, more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were murdered in Srebrenica, Bosnia - a tragedy recognised as the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War.

The ceremony will include reflections and readings, culminating in a one-minute silence at 12.40pm, offering an opportunity for attendees to stand together in remembrance of those who lost their lives.

Following the formal proceedings, those attending are invited to stay for light refreshments in the Great Hall.

Cllr Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at WNC, said: “This annual commemoration provides an opportunity to come together to remember the victims of Srebrenica - more than 8,000 men and boys whose lives were cruelly taken, and to stand in solidarity with their families and survivors, reflect and continue promoting respect, understanding and unity within our communities.”

This year’s theme, ‘We Are Here’, reflects the enduring importance of remembrance and collective responsibility to challenge hatred and division wherever it appears. To learn more about the memorial events and this year’s theme, visit the Remembering Srebrenica website.