The 2024 Srebrenica Commemoration marked a significant moment for the Bosnian community, as it was the first major commemoration in Melbourne held following the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution on 23 May 2024, declaring 11 July as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.
Held on Saturday 6 July 2024 at the Australian Bosnian Islamic Centre in Melbourne, the event brought together survivors, families, young people, community members, and members of the wider Australian public to honour the victims of the genocide and preserve their stories.
Organised by Children of Srebrenica, the commemoration focused on remembrance, education, and intergenerational storytelling. The program featured speeches, poetry, video presentations, and ilahije, with much of the formal program delivered in English to help educate younger generations and the broader Australian community.
The event also featured special video messages from Hasan Hasanović of the Srebrenica Memorial Center, who has dedicated much of his life to preserving the oral histories and memory of Srebrenica, and Ćamil Duraković, a survivor of the genocide and former Mayor of Srebrenica who has played a significant role in advocating for remembrance, returnee rights, and the preservation of truth in post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their messages reflected on remembrance, truth, and the ongoing responsibility to preserve the memory of the genocide for future generations.
A particularly moving part of the program included the stories of child survivors of Srebrenica, including Hurija Alić and Nermina Kaltak, whose experiences highlighted the lasting human impact of the genocide and the resilience of survivors and their families.
A memorial exhibition displaying photographs, personal belongings, and survivor stories formed a central part of the event, creating a powerful and personal experience for attendees. Workshops and activities for children and youth also highlighted the importance of preserving memory and historical truth.
The event served as both a tribute to those lost and a reminder of the importance of standing against hatred, genocide denial, and historical revisionism. Through remembrance and education, the 2024 commemoration reaffirmed the community’s commitment to ensuring the victims of Srebrenica are never forgotten.
