Dudley councillors and campaigners thanked for ensuring authority officially recognised 30th anniversary of Srebrenica genocide

Councillors who ensured Dudley Council officially recognised the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide have been thanked by the charity founded to ensure the massacre is never forgotten.

In July 1995, over eight-thousand Bosnian Muslim boys and men were murdered by Bosnian Serb forces just outside the town of Srebrenica. Over the next month more than 20,000 civilians were expelled from their Bosnian homes in the first example of ethnic cleansing in Europe since World War Two.

Dudley Mayor Councillor Pete Lee formerly acknowledged the genocide on behalf of Dudley Council after agreeing with a motion submitted by Stourbridge Liberal Democrat Councillor Andy Tromans.

A vigil and minute's silence was held at Dudley Council House when several Liberal Democrat councilors were joined by Dudley Palestine Solidarity Group members, who curated the memorial on the official international anniversary, July 11.

This year, subsequent atrocities and milestones in the expulsion of Muslims from Bosnia have been publicised throughout July in a bid to demonstrate how ethnic cleansing takes more than just a day.  

A PSG spokesman said: "It is both fitting and humbling that we were asked to be involved in this event to remember the Srebrenica Genocide of thirty-years ago.

"We are grateful to those who attended and those who supported the event in principle, particularly Councillor Tromans whose initiative led to this important commemoration taking place.”

Contributions included the reading of the Srebrenica Interfaith Prayer, led by Councillor Tromans, and the performance of anti-war piece “The Refusal Song,” penned and performed by local musician Bowers.

Birmingham based charity Remembering Srebrenica organised the official 30th Anniversary Memorial event at St Paul's Cathedral in June which saw political and religious leaders from across the world pay their respects. The charity works all year round promoting peace by creating international relationships and helping survivors of the genocide tell their stories. 

Remembering Srebrenica thanked everyone involved in the Dudley commemorations, a spokesman said: "In the UK, it is vital that we stand against all forms of hate and prejudice. By learning the lessons from Srebrenica, we build each other up so that through our actions – however big or small – we can collectively make a difference and create communities based on empathy, kindness and compassion. That is why we are grateful for those in Dudley who ensured the 30th anniversary was commemorated.

"We remember the victims, honour survivors, and commit to stand against hatred, denial and division."  

Wollaston and Stourbridge Town Councillor Andy Tromans said: "It was important to officially recognise the genocide at Srebrenica as an authority. I'd like to thank everyone who came on the day and those who have turned July into a month of commemoration instead of just one day."

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