2021 Srebrenica Memorial Week - Those gathered at Worcester Guildhall remember those who lost their lives in the Bosnian genocide - The Worcester Observer

2021 Srebrenica Memorial Week - Those gathered at Worcester Guildhall remember those who lost their lives in the Bosnian genocide

Worcester Editorial 26th Jul, 2021   0

A HOUSING association recently took part in a project to remember those who were murdered in the Bosnian genocide.

Platform Housing Group – which has its headquarters in the Midlands – took part in a civic event at the Guildhall to commemorate 2021 Srebrenica Memorial Week.

This year’s theme was entitled ‘Rebuilding Lives’.

Events during the week were organised by Remembering Srebrenica, a charity which raises awareness about the Bosnian genocide and its relevance for community cohesion, tolerance and challenging prejudice and racism.




Mayor of Worcester, Coun Stephen Hodgson, presided over the civic event.

Tom Piotrowski, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Platform Housing Group said : “We have been supporting the Srebrenica Memorial events in Worcester since our study visit to Bosnia organised several years ago by the national charity, Remembering Srebrenica.


“As one of the UK’s largest social landlords and a significant employer in the region we are aware that it is our responsibility to set the tone in how the local communities are being built and that mutual respect and celebration of diversity is the cornerstone of cohesion.”

Remembering Srebrenica was founded in 2013 and has taken more than 1,450 British citizens to Srebrenica to learn about the genocide through the Lessons from Srebrenica programme which is funded by central government.

“We need this cohesion now as much as ever before considering the abuse that some communities continue to suffer online and in person in their daily lives,” Tom added.

“Hate, prejudice and racism often starts with seemingly innocuous comments.  We must continue to come together to challenge these kinds of attitudes and comments and celebrate diversity as something that enriches us more than divides us.”

Amil Khan, director of Remembering Srebrenica and a speaker at the event said : “The tragedy of Srebrenica is a contemporary reminder that the struggle against darkness will never end and the need for vigilance will never fade away.

“Occasions such as this unites communities from different backgrounds to come together and reaffirm our commitment to tackle hatred and prejudice in all forms, whilst strengthening our resolve to ensure that the phrase ‘never again’ is truly meant.”

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