On 5 July 2026, Children of Srebrenica hosted its annual Srebrenica Genocide Commemorative Event at Kensington Town Hall under the theme “Stories of Grief and Resilience.” Bringing together survivors, descendants, dignitaries and members of the broader Australian community, the event honoured the memory of the more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys murdered during the Srebrenica Genocide while exploring the enduring impact of grief, trauma and resilience across generations.
The commemorative program opened with reflections from Children of Srebrenica before attendees viewed a historical context film generously provided by the Srebrenica Memorial Center, narrated by its Director, Emir Suljagić. As the institution responsible for preserving the memory of the genocide, documenting its history, and serving as the final resting place for thousands of victims, the Memorial Center plays a vital role in education, research and remembrance. The audience also heard a special message from Director Suljagić on the enduring importance of truth and remembrance.
The program featured addresses from the Honourable Julian Hill, Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs and Assistant Minister for International Education, and His Excellency Kemal Muftić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Australia and New Zealand.
Guests also heard moving personal reflections from child survivor Mirsada Alemić-Helać, Amela Grebović Ademi on behalf of Podrinje 11. Juli Srebrenica Inc., original poetry by Lejla Kojić, Dr Selma Musić, who shared her family’s story and reflected on grief and trauma through both lived experience and professional expertise, and Sana Klančević, who shared the significance of completing the 2025 Peace March alongside her family under the Children of Srebrenica banner.
Complementing the program was an expanded remembrance exhibition featuring historical photographs from the Srebrenica Memorial Center alongside a travelling exhibition from the War Childhood Museum—the world’s only museum solely dedicated to documenting childhoods affected by war. The exhibition presented stories from the Museum’s Srebrenica Collection, developed in partnership with the Srebrenica Memorial Center, allowing visitors to encounter the genocide through the personal experiences and treasured belongings of children whose lives were forever changed. Visitors also viewed personal artefacts and family heirlooms belonging to victims of the genocide, creating a deeply human connection to the stories shared throughout the day.
Children of Srebrenica extends its sincere gratitude to every survivor, family member, speaker, partner organisation, volunteer and guest whose presence contributed to the 2026 commemoration. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to honouring the victims, supporting survivors, educating future generations, and ensuring that the lessons of Srebrenica are never forgotten.
As Director of the Srebrenica Memorial Center and a survivor of the Srebrenica Genocide, Emir Suljagić has dedicated his life to preserving the truth of what happened in July 1995 and ensuring that the memory of the victims endures.
In his special address to our 2026 commemoration, Director Suljagić reflects on the responsibility of remembrance, the importance of confronting genocide denial, and the role that each generation plays in safeguarding historical truth. His message serves as a powerful reminder that remembrance is not only an act of honouring the past, but a commitment to building a future where such atrocities are never repeated.
The Honourable Julian Hill joined us to acknowledge the importance of remembering the Srebrenica Genocide and standing against hatred, division and genocide denial. Having visited in 2025 the Srebrenica Memorial Center during the 30th anniversary commemorations, Minister Hill reflects on the importance of truth, remembrance and Australia’s commitment to multiculturalism and human rights.
Mirsada Alemić-Helać shares her deeply personal story of surviving the Srebrenica Genocide as a child. As the author of Through the Eyes of an Innocent Child: A True Story of a Child Whose Childhood Is Interrupted and Dreams Shattered in the Most Arrogant Way, Mirsada provides a powerful account of childhood interrupted by war, loss and displacement. Her testimony is a reminder that behind every historical event are individual lives forever changed.
His Excellency Kemal Muftić addresses the audience on behalf of Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflecting on the enduring importance of preserving the truth of the Srebrenica Genocide and honouring the memory of its victims. His remarks reaffirm the shared responsibility of governments, institutions and communities to ensure that future generations continue to learn from history.
Representing Podrinje 11. Juli Srebrenica Inc., Amela Grebović Ademi speaks about remembrance through the perspective of a child of survivors and an active community leader. Born in Srebrenica, Amela has dedicated much of her life to preserving Bosnian language, culture and history while helping organise commemorative initiatives that honour victims, support survivors and educate future generations about the Srebrenica Genocide.
Second-generation Bosnian Australian Lejla Kojić presents an original poem inspired by her family’s experience of the Srebrenica Genocide. Through poetry, she explores themes of grief, memory, identity and resilience, giving voice to the experiences inherited by those who continue to carry the stories of loved ones lost. Her performance demonstrates how art can preserve memory across generations.
In this deeply personal address, Selma Musić shares her family’s story of loss during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dr Musić reflects on the murder of her father in Bijeli Potok, Zvornik, in 1992, the profound impact this had on her childhood, on her family and the lifelong journey of living with grief.
Drawing on both her lived experience and her professional expertise as a Clinical Psychologist and neuroscientist, Dr Musić story demonstrates how trauma shapes individuals, families and communities, while offering insight into resilience, healing and the importance of remembrance. Her address is a powerful reminder that understanding trauma is not only about studying the past, but about supporting those who continue to carry its effects today.
In 2025, Sana Klančević joined a delegation of twenty participants from Melbourne who completed the annual Peace March under the Children of Srebrenica banner. Walking alongside her family, Sana retraced the route taken by thousands of Bosniak men and boys attempting to escape Srebrenica in July 1995. In this reflection, she shares the emotional impact of the journey and what it means to honour the memory of her grandfather, Zuhdo Hajdarević, and all those who never reached safety.
