It was an honour to receive an award last night for the "Best Community Focussed Event" at the
Remembering Srebrenica Cohesive Society Awards and to celebrate so many amazing
events and contributions over the last year.
For me personally it has always been about the voice and
narrative of the victims and survivors. To ensure that their stories are heard,
their experience is never pushed aside. Especially the voice of the women; who
suffer the most in any war or conflict.
It has been after meeting Bosnians who remain scarred from a
war which they never could have imagined. This often leaves me reflecting on
how easy the seeds of hate can be planted, and if watered enough with
propaganda, hateful speech and corrupt ideologies can grow from verbal to
physical violence, to something far more destructive and sinister.
It doesn't stop here. The work has to continue through
education of the past, but the current day experience of all those who suffer
injustice, feel marginalised, dehumanised, stigmatised, stereotyped, who
experience prejudice due to their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or
disability.
We must continue to give voice to the voiceless, continue to
stand for truth and justice, and continue to fight against those who wish to
create divisive communities.
Well done to all volunteers and champions, and those who
work tirelessly to make a difference.
Pictures©Aisha Mirza February 2017
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