Westminster and charity Remembering Srebrenica come together to mark Genocide Prevention Day 2024

On 9 December, Westminster joined Remembering Srebrenica’s London and Southeast regional board to deliver the roundtable event titled “Never Again”?: Has the “International Community” Learned the Lessons of the Srebrenica Genocide? The event brought together representatives from the Bosnian Embassy to the UK, academics and scholars to reflect on the causes of the 1995 genocide at Srebrenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina and discuss what can be learnt. 

The panel was chaired by Dr Helen Connolly from the University of Bedfordshire. She was joined by Arnesa Buljusmic-Kustura from the Scholars of Genocide Expert Group, Professor Eric Gordy from University College London, Dr Aidan Hehir, Reader in International Relations from the University of Westminster, and Dr Kim Sadique from DeMontfort University.  

Discussions began with the failings of the international community to prevent and halt the massacre of over 8,000 civilians in Srebrenica, which have now been recognised as a genocide by the United Nations, the European Union and NATO. The discussion then moved onto the present-day and explored the lack of capacity and the unwillingness to respond to potential or actual genocide still happening across the world, despite commitments made in 1995 to ensure genocide would “Never Again” take place after Srebrenica.  

Following the panel discussion, attendees explored an exhibition by Bosnian multidisciplinary artist Lejla Kevrić. 
 

Dr Hehir said: "The horrific genocide at Srebrenica in 1995 should have catalysed a change in how the international community responds to looming mass atrocity crimes. Sadly, there has been little change; genocides, and mass atrocity crimes, still occur. It was great to debate these issues with a large and very engaged audience from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our discussion could have gone on all night, and we hope that our event has inspired future debates on this most pressing of issues."

Dania Hanif, Chair of Remembering Srebrenica London and Southeast Region, commented: "The Srebrenica and the wider Bosnian genocide teaches us the devastating consequences of unchecked hatred and intolerance but also the failure of the ‘international community’ to act. As we engaged in critical discussions with a panel of experts and witnessed the powerful artwork of Lejla Kevrić commemorating the Bosnian genocide, we considered how we can change what has become the hollow slogan ‘Never Again’ to a call for meaningful action.”

Dania added: “This important event to mark the UN’s International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime was not just about reflecting on the mistakes of the past but about ensuring that we take these lessons forward to challenge dangerous rhetoric and confront hatred to prevent future atrocities. However, as we bear witness to genocides taking place today in Palestine, Sudan and Myanmar - to name just a few -  the panel and audience recognised the continued failings in learning the lessons from Bosnia, Rwanda and the Holocaust, but in the hope of honouring all victims and survivors of genocides, past and present, remain committed to ensuring ‘Never Again’ is practiced and one day truly means ‘Never Again’.”

This event directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.  

Find out more about upcoming events taking place at the University of Westminster.