Remembering Srebrenica: A Call for Justice and Awareness 30 Years On

For the first time, an international day of remembrance for the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, which occurred during the Bosnia War 30 years ago, has been observed. This significant event took place in Potocari, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where international guests gathered to honor the memory of those who lost their lives in one of Europe’s darkest chapters. On July 11, 1995, Bosnian Serb troops killed over 8,000 people, predominantly Muslim men and male youths, an atrocity that has been legally recognized as genocide by international courts. This massacre is considered the worst in Europe since World War II. The 30th anniversary serves as a poignant reminder that the story of the 8,372 victims cannot be forgotten. In the aftermath of the killings, a battle over the narrative of the events began. While relatives of the murdered continue to mourn their loss, some from the perpetrators' side have sought to redefine the narrative, claiming victimhood instead. This narrative struggle is still present, with right-wing factions across Europe attempting to exploit the memory of the genocide for their political agendas. During a commemorative debate in the German Bundestag, remarks made by members of the right-wing AfD party sparked controversy and outrage. Bundestag President Julia Klöckner opened the session by labeling Srebrenica as the most egregious war crime on European soil since the conclusion of World War II. However, AfD MP Alexander Wolf questioned the classification of the killings as genocide, asserting that Serbs shot men while generally sparing women and children. His statements ignited sharp backlash from other parliament members, who accused him of minimizing the genocide. Protests erupted when another AfD member, Martin Sichert, used the platform to speak on domestic political issues relevant to the AfD, rather than the gravity of the commemoration. His comments highlighted a troubling trend that attempts to claim Srebrenica as a cautionary tale against multiculturalism, rather than engaging with the lessons of the atrocity itself. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul unexpectedly intervened after the AfD speeches, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the genocide and expressing regret over the conduct of the debate, which he felt disrespected the memories of victims and their families present in the gallery. The main commemorative event in Potocari occurred at the site of the former Dutch peacekeeping forces' headquarters, which faced accusations of failing to protect the victims during the massacre. Munira Subasic, representing the Mothers of Srebrenica, poignantly addressed those who voted against recognizing an international day of remembrance at the UN, wishing them a life in darkness for their refusal to acknowledge these events. In a significant move, the UN General Assembly decided to establish this international day of remembrance in May 2024, despite opposition from nations including Serbia, China, Russia, and Hungary. Notably, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić abstained from attending the commemorative event. Instead, he expressed his condolences on social media, referring to the tragic events of Srebrenica as a terrible crime. The observance of this day is a critical step towards honoring the victims, understanding the horror of what transpired, and ensuring that such events are neither forgotten nor repeated. The need for awareness and education about the Srebrenica genocide remains crucial as we reflect on these events and advocate for understanding and peace in a region still burdened by the scars of its past. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2