12 July 2017

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon last night spoke at the UK National Srebrenica Commemoration in London, marking the 22nd anniversary of the genocide, with over 700 guests expected to attend.

She was joined by Munira Subašić, President of the Mothers of Srebrenica and Bakira Hasečić of the Association of Women Victims of War – two of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s strongest campaigners for the rights of genocide victims and survivors.

The First Minister said:

On the anniversary of the genocide which was described by the United Nations as ‘the worst crime in Europe since the Second World War’, I would like to take the opportunity to send a message of commemoration, solidarity and support to the people of Srebrenica from the people of Scotland.

The work of people like Bakira Hasečić is helping to ensure that the victims of sexual violence are heard, and that the crimes against them are not forgotten. And she is providing a further spur for all of us – Governments and communities around the world – to act to reduce and ultimately eradicate violence against women. Her testimony is helping to break that silence – and is encouraging more and more women to come forward.

Last August, I accepted an invitation from the Mothers of Srebrenica to visit the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial. Nothing quite prepares you for the sight of all those headstones – row upon row marking the graves of the identified victims. They stand as vivid reminders of the scale of the atrocity that occurred in Srebrenica.

I was also honoured to meet again with Hasan Hasanović and some of the Mothers of Srebrenica – including Munira Subasic. Their stories – of suffering and devastating personal loss – will live with me forever. It’s hard for me to imagine how anyone could even begin to cope with such tragedy.

And yet despite it all, like so many survivors, they continue to demonstrate amazing courage and determination. In the years since, they have been at the forefront of securing recognition and justice for the victims. And they have shared their experiences and told their stories, so that we can understand and learn from them.

So today, as we honour the victims of Srebrenica, we should also reaffirm our determination to celebrate diversity, to promote justice, and to tackle intolerance, prejudice and hate. By doing so, we can all play a part in creating a better, more tolerant and more peaceful world. That is the best – and the most fitting – tribute that we can pay to the victims of Srebrenica”

"Today on this saddest of anniversaries, we reaffirm our commitment to tackle prejudice and hate wherever we find it" @NicolaSturgeon pic.twitter.com/e4IelC7i50

— Remember Srebrenica (@SrebrenicaUK) July 11, 2017

During the night the audience also watched a very moving film called Breaking the Silence.

Breaking the Silence our powerful film about sexual violence during genocide & in our communities. Please watch & share #Srebrenica #endvawg pic.twitter.com/lcH1JlT1r1

— Remember Srebrenica (@SrebrenicaUK) July 11, 2017