A BRADFORD councillor is hoping that children and young people can learn more about past genocides and massacres, as she reflects on 27 years since the shocking events of Srebrenica.

Councillor Sabiya Khan, of the Wibsey ward, wants schools and academies to ensure that such historical events are taught to young people, believing that education is the best way to ensure that history does not repeat itself.

Earlier this year, the film Bosnia to Bradford – which featured interviews with members of the district’s Bosnian community and other local figures – was screened to school students at the National Science and Media Museum.

It told the story of Riad Terzic, who, at the age of 17, fled Bosnia and arrived in Bradford – via Barnsley and Sheffield – in 1997.

Mr Terzic, now 47, works for Bradford Council’s housing department.

“Four or five schools from across the district were at the screening,” Cllr Khan said.

“It was a very powerful film and the students were touched by it.

“Getting local schools on board is really critical. There’s a lot of unrest going on globally, and young people need to know more.

“We hope we can build understanding so that communities can ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.”

July marked the anniversary of the 1995 genocide, where over 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were killed.

“The massacre took place over time – it didn’t just happen overnight – because hate wasn’t tackled,” Cllr Khan added.

“Neighbours turned against neighbours due to religion and ethnicity. After the Holocaust, we thought we would never have a genocide again, but 27 years ago we had another one here on European soil.

“Even now, some people also still deny that the Holocaust happened. This shows that there needs to be more education.”

Cllr Khan was involved in a series of programmes this year, led by Bradford Council and done in partnership with the charity Remembering Srebrenica, to mark the anniversary of the genocide.

“I think the anniversary resonates with people and is important for people in Bradford,” she said.

“We are a City of Sanctuary, and we welcome refugees from across the globe.

“We must be mindful and work together with agencies and partners to tackle divide where it exists.

“We proactively engage with communities and encourage them to take the lead in helping communities live together peacefully. That’s a reason why we work closely with Bradford Hate Crime Alliance – a key partner.”