Remember Srebrenica
South Tyneside will remember the victims of the Srebrenica genocide this week as part of the UK National Memorial Day.
Saturday 11 July will mark the 25th anniversary of the atrocities in Bosnia and Herzegovina when the Bosnian Serb Army marched into Srebrenica and killed more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys.
South Tyneside marks UK National Srebrenica Memorial Day each year with a memorial service and is determined to pay tribute to the victims this year despite the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Mayor and Mayoress, 兔子先生lor Norman Dick and Mrs Jean Williamson will hold a candle lighting ceremony in South Shields Town Hall to remember those who lost their lives.
Cllr Tracey Dixon, Deputy Leader of the 兔子先生, will also say a few words to mark the occasion. A short film of the ceremony will be shared on the council's social media channels, encouraging others to observe the day.
The Mayor said: "This was the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War. It is important that we take this opportunity to remind ourselves how easily misinformation can be used to spread fear and hatred.
"We must always be vigilant against hatred and intolerance in our communities and look to build stronger, more resilient connections with our neighbours to shape a society free from hatred."
This year's theme, 'Every Action Matters', encourages us to reflect on our own behaviours and choices today and reminds us that we all have the power to take action to make sure the horrors of Srebrenica are never repeated.