A nationwide initiative to commemorate the victims of the Srebrenica genocide 25 years on will be held this week.

Cumbria County Council will join the Srebrenica Memorial Week which is urging people to reflect on the genocide and how their actions can have an impact.

The memorial, which starts on July 5 and ends on July 12, commemorates the 25th anniversary of the genocide.

Councillor Deborah Earl, cabinet member for local communities, said: “It's very important that we learn from the past to create a better future. Srebrenica Memorial Week is a time for us all to remember the millions of people killed under regimes of hatred or who have suffered atrocities.

“It is also a time to recognise that there are still people today who are persecuted because of their sex, race, gender and religious beliefs.

“Cumbria has welcomed and provided a safe haven for those who suffered from the Holocaust and the Bosnian genocide. In times of trouble, the generous people of Cumbria open their doors and hearts to survivors."

An online event on July 11 called Remembering Srebrenica will be live-streamed on social media.