Oxford City Council is moving its event to mark Srebrenica Memorial Day (11 July) online this year, in response to the restrictions caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Councillor Craig Simmons, will host a short reflection service via video link on 11 July 2020 to mark the 25th year since the genocide at Srebrenica, in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Over 8000 Muslim men and boys were murdered in the genocide in Srebrenica in 1995, simply because of their religious identity. It was the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War.
Members of the public are invited to come together for the online service on YouTube to honour the victims and survivors of the Srebrenica genocide, and pledge to create a better, stronger and more cohesive society in the United Kingdom.
The Lord Mayor’s reflection will be followed by prayers and reflections led by Imam Monawar Hussain, The Oxford Foundation and Reverend Anthony Buckley, City Rector. Annelise Dodds, MP for Oxford East, will then recite the 11 pledges on behalf of the City.
The theme for this year’s anniversary is ‘Every Action Matters’, which seeks to encourage each person to reflect on the effects of their own personal behaviour, the choices they make and they words they say and the impact these have on other people.
"Oxford City Council believes we must never forget about the genocide. We reaffirm our commitment to stand up against all forms of hatred and prejudice that targets groups, whether based on their religion, ethnicity, gender, sexuality or any other type of difference.
“This year’s theme reminds us that every action we take, however small it may seem, really can make a difference to others.
“We hope you will join us in mourning of the loss of those who died at Srebrenica and reflect on how we as individuals, groups and communities can come together to build a better future”
Councillor Craig Simmons, the Lord Mayor of Oxford
For more information on Srebrenica visit the Srebrenica website.
You may access Oxford City Council’s reflection services.
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