United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated on Tuesday that these days mark the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, the worst crime on European soil since World War II, and called for vigilance and action.
UN chief Guterres, in a message on the occasion of July 11th – the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the Genocide in Srebrenica in 1995, reminded that in July 1995 more than 8.000 men and boys, Bosnian Muslims, were systematically killed, thousands of women, children, and the elderly were forcibly displaced, and their lives forever destroyed.
He added that the intent was the extermination of Bosnian Muslims in Srebrenica.
“We remember the victims and pay tribute to the courage of the survivors, including the Mothers of Srebrenica, whose relentless pursuit of justice ensured that the genocide was recognized legally and historically,” he stated.
He added that this day is not only a moment for reflection but also a call for vigilance and action.
“In times of increasingly strong hate speech, denial, and division, we must firmly stand on the side of truth and justice. We must recognize early warning signs and act before violence takes hold. We must respect international law, defend human rights, support the dignity of every individual, and invest in reconciliation and peace. Let the memory of Srebrenica strengthen our resolve that ‘never again’ truly means never again,” he concluded.
