We condemn the repeated denial of the facts of the genocide in Srebrenica during the RSNA session and the “Srpska calls you” rally on 18 April 2024. That a genocide was committed in Srebrenica in July 1995 is not a matter of opinion. It is a historical fact, legally established by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in 2004, the International Court of Justice in 2007. There is no place in Europe for genocide denial, revisionism, and glorification of war criminals and we reject any denial, relativisation or misinterpretation of the genocide in Srebrenica.
It is not in doubt that BiH citizens of all ethnicities suffered during the 1992-95 war. The starting point for true reconciliation is empathy and understanding for the suffering of all victims, and further efforts in this area are needed from all sides. Nonetheless, challenging the exhaustively established facts of the genocide in Srebrenica is historically inaccurate, generates further pain and trauma for the families of victims and makes the crucial task of building of bridges and reconciliation more difficult.
We call upon all political leaders and others in positions of authority in BiH to lead the way in honouring victims and promoting reconciliation. Political actors should refrain from provocative rhetoric or actions, and focus on moving the country forward on its EU path, which is the desired objective of the overwhelming majority of BiH citizens.
