Dorchester | Posted on July 8th, 2026 | return to news

Srebrenica Memorial Flag to be raised in Dorchester

This year marks the 31st anniversary of a genocide which remains the worst atrocity committed on European soil since WWII.

A massacre which happened in and around eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina 31 years ago has not been forgotten by Dorset Council.

The Srebrenica Memorial Flag will be flown over County Hall in Dorchester on 11 July to mark the anniversary of the Srebrenica Massacre and to commemorate all those who were killed, suffered, or were displaced during the genocide.

The theme for Srebrenica Memorial Day 2026 is “We Are Here.”

This powerful message reflects the voices of genocide survivors who, despite experiencing unimaginable loss and trauma, continue to live with courage, dignity and resilience. In July 1995, more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were systematically murdered in and around Srebrenica simply because of who they were. Across Bosnia and Herzegovina, more than 100,000 people lost their lives, around 50,000 women were subjected to sexual violence, and over two million people were forced from their homes. The Bosnian genocide remains the worst atrocity committed on European soil since WWII.

Yet genocide did not have the final word. The survivors are here. The Mothers of Srebrenica, who lost sons, husbands, fathers and brothers, continue their tireless pursuit of truth and justice. They work to ensure that the names, stories and humanity of their loved ones are never forgotten or reduced to statistics. Their strength and determination stand as a powerful rebuke to hatred and intolerance.

Children and grandchildren of the survivors, including many who have grown up in the UK, have chosen hope over hatred, education over revenge and contribution over bitterness. Their lives are a testament to the failure of those who sought to destroy them.

The theme is also reflected in the thriving Bosnian community across the UK. Over the past three decades, survivors who arrived as refugees have rebuilt their lives and made significant contributions to their communities. Through organisations such as the Bosnia and Herzegovina UK Network, they have provided support not only to fellow Bosnians but also to people displaced by more recent conflicts, including those from Syria and Ukraine.

Cllr Stella Jones, chairperson of Dorset Council, said: “Srebrenica Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the devastating consequences of hatred, discrimination and division. As we remember those who lost their lives and honour the courage of survivors, we reaffirm our commitment to building communities in Dorset where everyone is valued, respected and included. Together, we must ensure that the lessons of Srebrenica are never forgotten and continue to inspire us to stand against intolerance in all its forms.”