Hull to mark Srebrenica massacre 30 years on

Shirley Henry
BBC News
Getty Images A woman is sat on the ground and weeps at a memorial to the victims of the Srebrenica massacreGetty Images
More than 8,000 Bosnian men and boys were killed in less than one week during the massacre

A memorial service to mark the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre will be held in Hull.

More than 8,000 Bosnian men and boys were killed in less than one week in 1995, in one of the worst massacres in Europe since World War Two.

Commemorations on Thursday 10 July will include prayers at the Peace Garden in Hanover Square, ahead of the raising of the flag of Srebrenica.

Hull City Council said: "Thirty years on from the horrors of Srebrenica, it still remains a very poignant time for those who lost friends and family members."

Getty Images Groups of men in Srebrenica carry the coffins of boys and men killed in the massacre in 1995Getty Images
The massacre was one of the worst in Europe since World War Two

"We will come together to remember them and the thousands of other people killed during the Bosnian War," council leader Mike Ross said.

"It will also allow us to show our solidarity with anyone who is currently affected by conflict, as we send the message that we are against genocide in any form," he added.

Organisers of the event have chosen the theme Remember Yesterday, Act Today with the message "reflective remembrance alongside proactive action to safeguard against intolerance and hatred".

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Cheryl Payne, will attend the gathering.

"Hull is a Sanctuary City, and it is important that people displaced from their own land because of war know that they are welcome here," she said.

"Events like these are important in helping to create a strong and cohesive society, as we focus on being inclusive and working to ensure people feel safe and welcomed in our community."

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