NEXT week will see two events hosted by Thurrock Council to mark the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide on 11 July.

Described by the United Nations as the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War, the genocide saw more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys murdered, and thousands of women raped, simply because of their identity.

Thurrock Council's annual civic ceremony will begin at 10am on Friday, 11 July at the flagpole outside the Civic Offices, on New Road, Grays (RM17 6SL) featuring a minute's silence, the raising of the Srebrenica memorial flag, and moving reflections from civic leaders, faith representatives, and members of the local Bosnian community.

A memorial gathering will follow at around 10.30am in nearby Grays Town Park on Park Road, (RM17 6RB), where light refreshments will be served.

This year also marks the unveiling of an enhanced memorial plaque, now prominently displayed on a dedicated pillar – ensuring that its message of remembrance is visible and enduring for future generations.