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Home Primary Memorial day Messages of Support Di Whitfield

Di Whitfield

Co-Chair of Rape Crisis England & Wales

The systematic and widespread use of rape as a weapon of war was one of the brutal legacies of the Bosnian conflict. We at Rape Crisis England and Wales know very well the devastation that sexual violence causes to individuals, families and communities. As in Bosnia, all too often the perpetrators are walking free and the survivors do not get the support they deserve. We work with survivors who often struggle to talk about their experiences due to shame, stigma, being blamed and not believed.

Whilst there are important differences to recognise between sexual violence as part of a strategic policy of “ethnic cleansing” and the ongoing prevalence experienced by women and girls in so called peacetime, the root causes are the same – attitudes of stereotyping, discrimination and dehumanisation. The case of Bosnia, where women and girls were targeted both because of their religion and their sex shows that gender-based violence often does not exist in isolation – it intersects with other forms of hatred. This absolutely resonates with our work here in England and Wales where 27% of our clients are from BME backgrounds and 23% are Disabled women and girls.

We commend Remembering Srebrenica’s important work, and agree that we cannot truly stand up to hatred unless we stand up to misogyny in our society. Violence against women and girls is a serious problem here in the UK. Last year, our member Rape Crisis Centres answered 171,000 helpline calls. 1 in 5 women between 16 and 59 have experienced some form of sexual violence since turning 16. A recent government report showed the shocking extent of sexual harassment and sexual violence in our school system. We must address these issues – by speaking out, by understanding the consequences if any form of hatred is left unchecked, and by working together as a community to challenge the attitudes that contribute to sexual violence.  We look forward to working with Remembering Srebrenica this year and welcome the 2017 theme “Breaking the Silence: Gender and Genocide”.

Jun 20, 2016Amil Khan
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June 20, 2016 Messages of Support
Southall Black SistersMuharem Vunic
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Remembering Srebrenica Retweeted
RrrrnessaArnesa Buljušmić-Kustura@Rrrrnessa·
1 Feb

I am working on a project on the Siege of Sarajevo and I am in need of Sarajevo Siege survivors, of all ages, to speak to. A casual conversation to start and the interview itself will be conducted with full sensitivity and professionalism. Please email: arnesa@srebrenica.org.uk

106169Twitter
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RrrrnessaArnesa Buljušmić-Kustura@Rrrrnessa·
24 Feb

Last year we opened the very first Virtual Exhibition on the Bosnian genocide, this year we are expanding the exhibition and building a long-lasting resource for all. Creativity allows us to express our pain, grief, and trauma in many ways and I encourage all to submit your work! https://t.co/fVtkyNAiRH

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SrebrenicaUKRemembering Srebrenica@SrebrenicaUK·
24 Feb

We are re-opening our Exhibition "Remnants of Genocide" and are asking for submissions on the topics of genocide, refugee displacement, and our theme "Rebuilding Lives". Submit your art, poetry, photographs, and anything else for a chance to be featured during Memorial Week!

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SrebrenicaUKRemembering Srebrenica@SrebrenicaUK·
24 Feb

Our podcast on the genocide in Srebrenica has been listened by over 75,000 people! Join them by listening to the story of the worst atrocity on Europe’s soil since the Holocaust.

Honour the victims, by listening to the survivors!

https://t.co/ClCqkVfL6S

825Twitter
SrebrenicaUKRemembering Srebrenica@SrebrenicaUK·
23 Feb

Bosnia has seen several incidents of the glorification of war criminals in recent days. These incidents appear to be part of a longer term pattern that are fuelled by local organisations.

https://t.co/5EKprTFqIw

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 Latest news 
Remembering Srebrenica’s 2021 Theme: Rebuilding Lives
February 4, 2021

Every year, Remembering Srebrenica selects a theme that reflects an aspect of the genocide that must be commemorated, but also speaks to communities here in the UK.  The theme for 2021 is ‘Rebuilding Lives’.  The theme aims to honour the two million people who were displaced during the genocide and ethnic cleansing in Bosnia in […]

Hatidža Mehmedović – A mother’s legacy
November 26, 2020

Hatidža Mehmedović was born in the area surrounding Srebrenica in 1952. Before the genocide, she lived her entire life in Srebrenica, where she had married her childhood friend, Abdullah, and had two sons, Azmir and Almir. Hatidža and Abdullah built their home in Srebrenica and lived a simple life as a family before the war […]

“Untold Killing”: first serialised podcast about the genocide in Bosnia launched
October 22, 2020

London, United Kingdom — This past July marked 25 years since the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, often referred to as the worst atrocity on Europe’s soil since the Holocaust. The story of Srebrenica, a small town in Bosnia, remains a dark stain on Europe’s history and yet the full details remain unknown to many.  […]

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