Genocide: Remembering Srebrenica tells the story of the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War, as the 20thanniversary of the genocide approaches in July.
It describes events leading up to the genocide and will display related paintings by the artist, Robert McNeil MBE, who worked as a forensic technician in Bosnia-Herzegovina after the Balkans War.
The exhibition runs from Monday, May 18 to Sunday, May 24 at The Hive – the University of Worcester’s library, developed in partnership with Worcestershire County Council as Europe’s first joint university and public library.
Robert joined the first of many international forensic teams to gather evidence of war crimes that would result in putting the perpetrators behind bars. He has since felt compelled to depict his experience through original artwork, which detail his time in Bosnia and Kosovo – presenting loss, grief and the challenging scientific processes involved in conflict zones.
Dr Val Chapman, from the University of Worcester, organised the event, working with Remembering Srebrenica.
She said: “Srebrenica has become the best-documented war crime in history and the forensic evidence of the burial and reburial of evidence is irrefutable. Remembering Srebrenica is dedicated to working with victims and survivors of the genocide. It is the only organisation outside of Bosnia-Herzegovina dedicated to commemorating and raising awareness about the Srebrenica genocide and its legacy by marking the European Union mandated Srebrenica Memorial Day on 11 July.
The aim of this exhibition is to promote tolerance and help to create a safer, better and stronger society for all and to work against discrimination, promotion of hatred, extremism, and exclusion.”
Remembering Srebrenica Chairman, Dr Waqar Azmi OBE, is former Chief Executive of Worcestershire Racial Equality Council and holds an Honorary Degree from the University of Worcester.
He said: “This year is the 20th anniversary of the genocide – the single greatest atrocity committed on European soil since the Second World War. Thanks to Robert’s generosity and Val’s hard work, this exhibition will help to raise awareness of Srebrenica, whilst inspiring Worcester people to build stronger, more cohesive communities.”
