The (im)possibilities of remembering the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina - Humanity House

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Fri
26 Jun
2015

Gathering

The (im)possibilities of remembering the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina

The 11th of July 2015 marks 20 years since the genocide of Srebrenica took place. A few months later the peace agreement was signed that ended the War in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Twenty years onwards, a new generation is growing up, but commemorating the war continues to be contested, and challenging. Narratives on the war continue to be divided and recognition of each other’s victimhood remains difficult. Certain stories are highlighted, leaving other stories silenced or ignored in Bosnia and the region, but also the Netherlands has difficulties coming to terms with its role in commemorating the Bosnian War and its involvement.

Despite these difficulties, there are several citizens and artists that came up with creative remembrance practices, that try to move beyond these conflicting stories. During this afternoon we will look at several of such projects. What are their possibilities, but also limitations? How can they serve as a source of inspiration? And what role can younger generations play?

About the Speakers

Several speakers will give a short talk during which they describe one core challenge with commemorating the war, followed by an alternative or inspirational approach on the topic, and discuss this further with each other and the audience: Maja Lovrenovic (researcher VU Amsterdam) on remembrance in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Erna Rijsdijk (university lecturer at the Netherlands Defence Academy) on remembrance in The Netherlands and Emina Joosten-Bešlagić (policy advisor municipality Nijmegen & activist in various (Bosnian) NGO’s) on remembrance during White Armband Day in Prijedor.

Laura Boerhout (researcher University of Amsterdam) gives a short introduction on the state of remembrance in the Netherlands and Bosnia-Herzegovina and is the moderator.

This event is part of the Humanity in Action International Conference.

From June 23rd to July 12th a selection of the exhibition “Sjećam Se: War Memories and Future Dreams of Bosnian-Dutch youth” will be displayed in the foyer of Humanity House. It shows with words (interviews researcher Laura Boerhout) and photos (photographer Claudia Heinermann) how Bosnian-Dutch youth give meaning to their wartime past and how they see their relations with Bosnia-Herzegovina in the present. The exhibition will travel to Amsterdam and will be on display in Kriterion in July and August.

Details

  • English
  • 14:30
  • 15:00
  • 17:00