Minster service for Remembering Srebrenica 2023

This year a special service at Sunderland Minster will mark the 28th anniversary of the Bosnian Genocide, described by the United Nations as the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War. 

The service will take place on Tuesday 11 July, the official day of remembrance for the victims of Srebrenica.

The war against Bosnia lasted for nearly four years, resulting in more than 100,000 deaths. Two million people were displaced or became refugees and Bosnia became the biggest network of concentration camps on European soil since the Holocaust.

The events in Srebrenica, where more than 8,371 boys and men were murdered in just a couple of days, was a culmination of the Bosnian Genocide and atrocities that happened across the entire country, starting as early as 1992.

This is the eighth annual event that has been commemorated in Sunderland, it aims to bring together people of all faiths to honour the victims of the Bosnian Genocide, while raising awareness about the significance of building a cohesive society.

Remembering Srebrenica's theme for 2023 is 'Together we are one'. The hope for this year's theme is that it will empower communities to actively challenge stereotyping, scapegoating, hate speech and dehumanising language.

The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Dorothy Trueman, said: "I hope to see many Sunderland residents join us for this special service, which will remember and honour the victims and survivors of Srebrenica and honour the two million people who were displaced during the genocide and ethnic cleansing in Bosnia.

"This year's theme of 'Together we are one' is so important because it focuses on how each and every one of us has an important role in coming together as one community against hatred and division."

Local Human Rights Historian and affiliate of the Bosnian Genocide Education Trust, Peter Sagar, said: "Remembering Srebrenica is an opportunity to pay respects to the more than 8,000 men and boys massacred at Srebrenica as well all the others killed in similar massacres in the terrible war in Bosnia.  What happened at Srebrenica was of course the first genocide on European soil since the Holocaust, after which people said never again."

In honour of all those who lost their lives between 1992-1995, the city will be flying the Remembering Srebrenica flag at City Hall from Monday 10 July until Sunday 16 July.

Landmarks will also be lit up across the city on Tuesday 11 July to mark the anniversary.

The Remembering Srebrenica service is an open service which everyone is very welcome to attend.

It takes place at Sunderland Minster at 6.30pm on Tuesday 11 July and guests are asked to arrive from 6.15pm. Please confirm your attendance with the Mayor's Office by emailing Mayor@sunderland.gov.uk or telephone 07766 367 426.