On the occasion of the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the Genocide in Srebrenica, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the world must preserve the truth about the crimes committed in July 1995, oppose the denial of genocide and renew the commitment to justice, reconciliation and peace.
Guterres reminded that on this day honor is paid to more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslims, men and boys who were systematically killed in the genocide in Srebrenica, as well as thousands of women, children and elderly people who were forcibly displaced.
“The intention to destroy the Bosnian Muslims from Srebrenica failed. We stand in solidarity with the survivors and the families of the victims, including the Mothers of Srebrenica, whose courage preserved this truth before the world,” Guterres said.
He pointed out that the international courts found that the crimes committed in Srebrenica constituted genocide, and emphasized that criminal responsibility is individual and cannot be attributed to any ethnic, religious or other group.
According to him, remembering Srebrenica implies protecting the truth from denial and historical revisionism, seeking responsibility and acknowledging the suffering of every victim.
“Remembering Srebrenica also means confronting hate speech and discrimination, and renewing our determination to make ‘never again’ a reality for everyone,” said the UN Secretary General.
In the end, he called on the international community to remember the victims on this sad and solemn day, listen to the survivors and take concrete steps to promote justice, reconciliation and peace.
“Let the memory of Srebrenica strengthen our commitment to human dignity, today and for generations to come,” Guterres concluded.
