THURROCK Council's Mayor and leader raised a flag and held a minute's silence today (Thursday, 11 July) as they joined the borough's Srebrenican community in remembering the events of the 1995 genocide, commemorated those that lost their lives and celebrated the resilience shown by survivors as they established new lives in Thurrock.

A special commemorative event took place at the council's Civic Offices marking the anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, which saw more than 8,000 people killed and countless acts of barbarity committed against women, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes to escape what the United Nations had called this worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War.

Mayor of Thurrock, Cllr Kairen Raper, said: "I am proud that Thurrock Council has made an official commitment to Remember Srebrenica every year.

"This year's remembrance ceremony brought together many members and friends of the Bosnian community to honour and remember the 1995 genocide, which tragically saw more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys lose their lives and left many families devastated. Remembering Srebrenica serves as a reminder that the common bonds we have as human beings are far more important than what divides us."

Cllr John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council said: "Today, we send a message of solidarity and community against hatred and intolerance as we honour the victims and survivors of the Srebrenica genocide. We remember all the refugees and the role Thurrock has played in offering a safe and welcoming home to those fleeing persecution.

"By coming together, and through mutual respect and understanding, we can help to ensure we build a better community, country, and world for generations to come."

In March 2021, Thurrock Council made the commitment to Remember Srebrenica every July and bring communities together to commemorate the victims and survivors of the tragic genocide that took place on 11 July 1995.