Srebrenica Memorial Ceremony Held in Leeds

Annual event commemorates victims of 1995 genocide

A memorial ceremony took place in Leeds city centre to remember the victims of the Srebrenica genocide. The event was led by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Stephen Holroyd, alongside the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Professor Adeeba Malik CBE, and various civic and community representatives.

The ceremony was held outside Leeds Civic Hall and included speeches and a prayer to honour the more than 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys who were killed in Srebrenica on 11 July 1995 during the Bosnian War by units of the Bosnian Serb Army.

Speakers and activities

• Councillor Emma Flint, Leeds City Council executive member for equality, adults and health
• Councillor Abdul Hannan, Remembering Srebrenica Champion

Both spoke at the event, reflecting on the significance of the massacre and the importance of remembrance. The ceremony is part of a wider series of events across Europe on Srebrenica Memorial Day, which aims to remember the genocide and reaffirm commitments to inclusion, diversity, and peace.

Additional commemorations in Leeds

• The Remembering Srebrenica flag was flown at Leeds Civic Hall on Friday and Saturday.
• Civic buildings in Leeds were illuminated in green and white on the evenings of Friday and Saturday as a mark of respect.

Statements from officials

Lord Mayor Councillor Stephen Holroyd said the passage of time does not lessen the horrors of the massacre and emphasised Leeds’ commitment to standing against hatred, prejudice, and discrimination.

Councillor Emma Flint described the massacre as a tragic and dark moment in history that must always be remembered. She also highlighted ongoing global conflicts and called for efforts to end violence and promote peace.