22 August 2016

The First Minister visited Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she visited the site of the 1995 genocide at Srebrenica.

She had the privilege to meet with survivors and the bereaved, and learn first-hand how they have fought to preserve the memory of their loved ones.

Described by the United Nations as ‘the worst crime in Europe since the Second World War’, the genocide saw more than 8,000 men and boys murdered in the space of a few days.

The First Minister was joined by the British Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Edward Ferguson and the Very Rev Dr Lorna Hood, the former Moderator of the Church of Scotland and chair of the Scottish board of Remembering Srebrenica. They were guided by Hasan Hasonovic, who as a young man escaped from the death march, although sadly his twin brother and father – along with many of his friends – were killed.

"May you find #justice, peace and may the world learn the lessons of #Srebrenica"@NicolaSturgeon @SrebrenicaUK pic.twitter.com/ZOyBzR3J0l

— Edward Ferguson (@EAFergusonFCO) August 21, 2016

‎She said:

21 years have now passed since the 1995 genocide – and while for most people the name Srebrenica is instantly recognisable, for today’s children and young people it may be a part of history that they know very little about.

The work of organisations like Remembering Srebrenica is so important – helping to keep alive the memory of the genocide, and the thousands who died, for future generations.

“Whether it is the development of education packs for teachers, the holding of commemorative events or organising visits to learn first-hand about the genocide, Remembering Srebrenica is helping to ensure that the horror of this genocide is not forgotten.

“Our guide Hasan has devoted his life to ensuring that the world never forgets what happened in Srebrenica. As well as travelling far and wide to tell his story, Hasan acts as curator and translator at the Memorial Centre.

“Hearing Hasan’s story is not easy – but is a story which absolutely must be heard.

“So too the stories of the group Mothers of Srebrenica, some of whom I was introduced to by Hasan. These women lost their sons in the genocide and some waited years to find out exactly what happened to their loved ones. Others still do not know.”

FM @NicolaSturgeon arrived in #BiH where she was met by the @EAFergusonFCO Read more here https://t.co/MW2SdCg2Q2 pic.twitter.com/bXGDbfRyjy

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) August 21, 2016

Early in the visit the First Minister also visited the Christine Witcutt Day Care Centre. During the conflict Edinburgh Direct Aid delivered thousands of tonnes of much-needed supplies and medicines to desperate people in many parts of Bosnia. Christine Witcutt, along with her husband Alan, were two of the first to volunteer to drive the convoy to Bosnia.

Thanks to @NicolaSturgeon for visiting EDA-founded Christine Witcutt Centre in Sarajevo https://t.co/PUkDS7mWaV pic.twitter.com/dI43f7baNO

— Edinburgh Direct Aid (@EdinDirectAid) August 21, 2016

Tragically, Christine was killed on “snipers’ alley” in Sarajevo a few months later. However, her name lives on in the Christine Witcutt Day Care Centre, established in 2001 to provide support to families with disabled children in Sarajevo.

The First Minister said:

I visited the centre on Sunday morning, and saw for myself how it is bringing some light and happiness to children in Sarajevo most needing help. I was greeted by Christine’s son-in-law David – who himself drove relief lorries during the conflict.

“The humanitarian work of Christine, her husband, her wider family and countless others has helped Bosnia and Herzegovina progress to where it is today.”

#ChristineWitcutt Centre for disadvantaged children is a symbol of long-lasting link between #Scotland and #BiH pic.twitter.com/jIVPolnPmS

— Edward Ferguson (@EAFergusonFCO) August 21, 2016