Greenwich Council (RBG) flew a commemorative flag from the town hall today (Friday, July 10) in memory of the victims of the Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Greenwich Mayor, Councillor Linda Bird raised the flag and helped light candles to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the genocidal massacre that took place in the former Yugoslavia.

She was joined by others including Leader of the Council Danny Thorpe, Councillr Adel Khaireh, cabinet member for culture, communities and equalities, and faith leaders from across the borough.

Representatives from Greenwich Islamic Centre, Greenwich Hindu Temple, St. Paul’s Thamesmead and Catford and Bromley Synagogue also lit candles to commemorate the victims.

RBG said that the ceremony showed the borough's "utter rejection of terrorism, oppression and victimisation of others".

The Srebrenica massacre or genocide describes the mass killing of some 8,000 Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) men and boys at the hands of Bosnian Serb forces during the break up of the former Yugoslavia.

It is regarded as the worst mass killing atrocity on European soil since the Second World War. 

In addition to that massacre, which took place in July 1995, tens of thousands of other Bosniaks were subjected to abuse and expulsion in a campaign of ethnic cleansing.

The Mayor shared her thoughts on the anniversary of the massacre: “This morning we joined together in the spirit of remembrance to demonstrate that we are one human race and should never seek to promote divisions in our communities, regardless of religion or faith," she said.

“Words can be just as powerful as actions, inciting hatred and intolerance which, if left unchallenged, can have a devastating impact on people’s lives.

"It is important that we remember and teach our children about the past so that future generations continue to stand up against hatred and prejudice in all its forms," she added.

“Royal Greenwich has made a commitment to tackling prejudice in all forms. We are committed to eradicating racism and discrimination in our society and celebrating our diversity, as this is what makes our borough strong.”