The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, was honoured to participate in the Twenty-Ninth Commemoration of the Srebrenica Genocide, held in Potočari, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
President Gatti Santana delivered remarks at the official Commemoration ceremony, along with other high-level international and national dignitaries. She recalled the contributions made by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the Mechanism in ensuring accountability for the Srebrenica Genocide, and highlighted the Mechanism’s commitment to further assisting national jurisdictions in delivering justice for this and other crimes. The President emphasised, however, that justice is only one link in the process of restoring and maintaining peace.
Turning to the devastating phenomena of genocide denial, historical revisionism, and glorification of war criminals, President Gatti Santana stressed the importance of using the legacy of the ICTY and the Mechanism towards achieving the goals of education and remembrance. She urged action to stop the voices of hatred, underscoring that “[i]t falls to each of us to inform ourselves about the events that occurred; to respond with empathy to the human suffering that was endured; and to push back firmly against those who seek to perpetuate division”, and expressing hope that“the courageous shifts of mindset that are needed will materialise sooner, rather than later”.
In closing, President Gatti Santana reiterated her utmost respect and admiration for the victims and survivors. She stated that, while the horrors that occurred 29 years ago can never be forgotten, their extraordinary bravery, resilience, and strength are expressions of the best of humanity; qualities which must – and will – guide the region in the future.
Following the Commemoration ceremony, the President paid her respects to the victims of the Srebrenica Genocide by laying a flower in their honour.
This is the first time that the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica is being marked, following the adoption of the relevant resolution by the United Nations General Assembly in May 2024.
