Debate to mark Holocaust Memorial Day
An Open Discussion to mark Holocaust Memorial Day brought together different refugee groups who have experienced violence in their countries with representatives from the police, Home Office and local authorities.
‘Living together in a violent world: What do communities need to heal the wounds?” – at Hammersmith Town Hall, King St, London W6 on 17 January 2006 – was hosted by Hammersmith and Fulham Refugee Forum.
Panel members: Zrinka Bralo (Migrant and Refugee Communities Forum); Stephen Burke (Leader, Hammersmith and Fulham Council); Jonathan Duke-Evans (Director of Social Policy, Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate); Mulat Haregot (Chair, Hammersmith and Fulham Refugee Forum); Ruth Musgrave (Conflict and Change); Heather Valentine (Borough Commander, Hammersmith and Fulham Metropolitan Police).
The discussion was closed by a performance by the London Sevdah Choir , which specialises in music from Bosnia, both solo voice and with accordion.
“The way forward is not just to talk between ourselves, but to others,” said Mulat Haregot, chair of Hammersmith and Fulham Refugee Forum. “If we don’t see and understand the perspective and background of others, then there can’t be harmony within the wider community.”
The discussion launched a two-week show of Srebrenica Now, photographs taken by people living in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The show, which marks the 10th anniversary of the genocide that took place there in 2005, will be on display from 17 January to 7 February 2006 in the glass atrium outside the entrance to Hammersmith Town Hall.
The UK-based Refugees and the Arts Initiative have created a room, typical of Bosnia, in the glass atrium and displayed the photographs and their captions in it.
For more information, call 020 8749 9010 or 0794 12 52 444.