Srebrenica memorial ceremony held in Leeds

The Lord Mayor of Leeds led a wreath-laying ceremony in the city centre today to remember the victims of genocide in Srebrenica.

Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Stephen Holroyd was joined by Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Professor Adeeba Malik CBE, civic and community representatives at the annual memorial ceremony outside Civic Hall.

The ceremony included speeches and a prayer to remember the more than 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys killed in the town of Srebrenica on July 11 1995 by units of the Bosnian Serb Army during the Bosnian War.

Srebrenica Memorial Day sees events take place in towns and cities all around Europe each year to remember the Bosnian genocide and reaffirm commitments to inclusion, diversity and peace.

Speakers at the ceremony in Leeds included Leeds City Council executive member for equality, adults and health Councillor Emma Flint and Remembering Srebrenica Champion Councillor Abdul Hannan.

Along with the remembrance ceremony, the Remembering Srebrenica flag will be flown at Leeds Civic Hall on Friday and Saturday, and as a further mark of respect to those who lost their lives civic buildings in Leeds will be lit up in green and white on Friday and Saturday nights.

Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Stephen Holroyd said:

“The passage of time does nothing to lessen the horrors of the Srebrenica massacre, and it was very poignant to mark the anniversary and pay our respects as a city today and this weekend.

“Leeds and its communities stand together in denouncing hatred, prejudice and discrimination in all its forms, through a shared commitment to tolerance and treating people as you would expect to be treated yourself.”

Leeds City Council executive member for equality, adults and health Councillor Emma Flint said:

“The Srebrenica massacre was a tragic and dark moment in world history, and one that should always be marked and remembered in memorial to those who lost their lives.

“Sadly the horrors of war continue today with the current conflicts around the world, and we call on all parties to bring those to an end to save lives and ensure a more peaceful future.”

ENDS

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