Dorset marks Srebrenica genocide with memorial flag at County Hall

The Srebrenica Memorial Flag will be flown over County Hall on 11 July to mark the 31st Anniversary of the Srebrenica Massacre and to commemorate all those who were killed, suffered, or were displaced during the genocide in and around Srebrenica in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The theme for Srebrenica Memorial Day 2026 is “We Are Here.”

This powerful message reflects the voices of genocide survivors who, despite experiencing unimaginable loss and trauma, continue to live with courage, dignity and resilience.  In July 1995, more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were systematically murdered in and around Srebrenica simply because of who they were. Across Bosnia and Herzegovina, more than 100,000 people lost their lives, around 50,000 women were subjected to sexual violence, and over two million people were forced from their homes. The Bosnian genocide remains the worst atrocity committed on European soil since the Second World War.

Yet genocide did not have the final word.  The survivors are here. The Mothers of Srebrenica, who lost sons, husbands, fathers and brothers, continue their tireless pursuit of truth and justice. They work to ensure that the names, stories and humanity of their loved ones are never forgotten or reduced to statistics. Their strength and determination stand as a powerful rebuke to hatred and intolerance.

The next generation is here. Children and grandchildren of survivors, including many who have grown up in the UK, have chosen hope over hatred, education over revenge and contribution over bitterness. Their lives are a testament to the failure of those who sought to destroy them.

The theme is also reflected in the thriving Bosnian community across the UK. Over the past three decades, survivors who arrived as refugees have rebuilt their lives and made significant contributions to their communities. Through organisations such as the Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network, they have provided support not only to fellow Bosnians but also to people displaced by more recent conflicts, including those from Syria and Ukraine.

While Dorset is often celebrated for its beautiful landscapes and strong communities, it is also home to people from many different backgrounds and cultures, some of whom continue to face barriers to inclusion and belonging. As we remember the victims and survivors of Srebrenica, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to challenge prejudice, celebrate diversity and ensure that Dorset remains a welcoming, inclusive and compassionate place for all.

Councillor Stella Jones MBE, Chair of Dorset Council, said:

"Srebrenica Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the devastating consequences of hatred, discrimination and division. As we remember those who lost their lives and honour the courage of survivors, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities in Dorset where everyone is valued, respected and included. Together, we must ensure that the lessons of Srebrenica are never forgotten and continue to inspire us to stand against intolerance in all its forms."