Worcester recently commemorated the Srebrenica Memorial Week to remember those who were murdered in the Bosnian Genocide.

The event was a partnership between Platform Housing Group and local organisations.

Guest speaker, Aida Haughton MBE, a British Bosnian living in Stoke-on-Trent since 2010, delivered a workshop on the 10 stages of genocide.

Ms Haughton, a teenager during the Bosnian War, became a UN interpreter overnight.

She's been sharing her experiences with the British public since 2014.

She also organises educational trips to Bosnia and Herzegovina, memorials, workshops, and public talks to raise awareness of the consequences of war, hate speech, and war trauma.

Ms Haughton, a board member of Remembering Srebrenica West Midlands, said: “Our difficulties have continued even if the war ended 29 years ago.

"Whilst our pain and suffering are not represented throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is here in Britain that activists and organisations like Remembering Srebrenica Bosnia UK Network and New Vic Borderlines, help to raise awareness of the genocide and provide a platform for the survivors.

"This act of remembrance means more than you will ever know.”

Councillor Mel Allcott, mayor of Worcester, said: “In 1995, more than 8000 Muslims were murdered in an appalling genocide.

"We need to reflect on the fact that genocides do not happen suddenly, they do not happen overnight and they do not occur out of nothing.

"To avoid repeating humanity’s worst mistakes we need first to remember them and that is why events such as these are so important.”

In recognition of her efforts, Ms Haughton was awarded an MBE in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

She recently crafted a documentary theatre piece, 'My Thousand Year Old Land,' offering a glimpse into the lives of Bosnian genocide and war survivors.

Tom Piotrowski, diversity and inclusion manager at Platform Housing Group, said: “Platform Housing Group continues to support communities in developing their cohesion and resilience necessary to challenging all forms of prejudice, hatred and discrimination."

Dating back to 2018, the Platform Housing Group and Remembering Srebrenica Foundation have partnered to deliver a series of educational and commemorative initiatives.