Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Daniel Koski, stated on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide that the United States stands in solidarity with the victims and their families, and supports efforts to bring justice to bear on the perpetrators of their crimes.
He recalled that three decades ago, more than eight thousand innocent men and boys were taken from their families and brutally murdered, and that the pain of those crimes continues to reverberate through generations, in the hearts of families and friends who still mourn them.
Koski expressed his admiration for those who continue to remember the victims – community leaders, teachers, and history keepers – who ensure that the stories of the victims are not forgotten and that their lives are not lost in vain.
“Their courage and fortitude testify to the strength of the human spirit. They remind us that memory is not passive, but active, powerful, and crucial,” Koski said.
He also highlighted his long-standing support for the Srebrenica Memorial Center and those working to preserve the personal belongings of victims, document their stories, and create a space for reflection and learning.
“Commemorating the genocide must not only be a remembrance of the past; it is also a reaffirmation of a shared commitment to peace, empathy, dignity, and justice,” said Koski, adding that the United States remains unwaveringly committed to peace, reconciliation, and living together in BiH.
Finally, he expressed his deepest respect for the victims and all who stand with them, saying that those who search for the missing, care for the bereaved, teach the truth, and create a space for healing are doing irreplaceable work.
“We remember the dead. We honor the living. And we continue our commitment to a future that will be founded on peace and shared humanity,” concluded Koski, according to a statement from the Public Affairs Office of the US Embassy in BiH.
