White Armband Day marked in Prijedor: Honour and remembrance of victims, a warning for the future

(Patria) - Today is May 31, which is marked as White Armband Day in Prijedor. On May 31, 1992, the authorities in Prijedor ordered the non-Serb population to display white cloth on their homes.

The commemoration of the 33rd anniversary began at the Old Town, at the location where the city authorities gave verbal consent for the construction of a monument to the murdered children of Prijedor.

Although families and associations are ready to erect a monument with the names of 102 murdered children, the official permit has not been issued to date.

A silent walk in remembrance

With white armbands and roses in their hands, citizens, activists, and guests from other cities – including walkers from Travnik and Odžak, and cyclists from Ključ – participated in a silent walk through the center of Prijedor. The procession stopped at the main square, where a short speech was given by representatives of the Association of Parents of Murdered Children.

"A monument with the names of the murdered children would not only be a symbol of remembrance but also a warning that such evil should never happen again," it was stated.

Justice and accountability

So far, about 50 final verdicts have been passed for the crimes committed in Prijedor, and sentences totaling about 800 years in prison have been handed down. However, many families are still waiting for justice, recognition, and dignified remembrance.

The British Embassy in Sarajevo also issued a statement on the occasion of White Armband Day, saying:

"We recall the scale of the crimes committed in the 1990s in Prijedor. We will honour all victims who deserve to be remembered with respect. From this tragedy, we must learn lessons about the value of peace, acceptance of diversity, and the fight for a better future for all citizens."