Greater Manchester leaders standing together to mark 26th anniversary of Srebrenica genocide

This year marks the 26^th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, in which over 8,000 Bosnian Muslims were murdered in the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War. 

As Greater Manchester move forwards to rebuilding our communities in the wake of the many health and economic challenges, we will remember the spirit of survivors who, despite the horrendous hatred and destruction they were subjugated to themselves, have been rebuilding their lives with dignity, humanity and without calling for retribution or promoting division or hatred. 

The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Deputy Mayor Bev Hughes joined a virtual Memorial Service organised by the charity Remembering Srebrenica on Thursday July 8 to remember those who lost their lives.  

Greater Manchester leaders have also shown their commitment through passing a motion in 2019 to recognise July 11 as the day of commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide. They agreed to support the work of communities and schools across Greater Manchester to tackle hatred and intolerance by raising awareness and educating people about genocide and the events that took place in Srebrenica. 

Leaders from across Greater Manchester will be standing together to mark the day. 

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “This is a moment to come together to build back better, fairer, safer, stronger, more equal.” 

Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, Bev Hughes, said: “As we pay tribute to the courage of those who survived, we must continue to stand together against hatred and intolerance as we work together to build stronger, more resilient communities. 

“In Greater Manchester, we are committed to that ambition and have taken steps to ensure our communities are involved in the decisions we make so we can address the inequalities that have been exposed by the pandemic.” 

Article Published: 09/07/2021 16:50 PM