Today, the third International Summer School ‘Genocide Studies’ was officially opened in the Srebrenica Memorial Center, which this year brought together participants from 19 countries around the world.
The program was opened by the director of the Srebrenica Memorial Center, Emir Suljagić, and the coordinator of the Summer School program, Azir Osmanović, who welcomed the participants and pointed out that education is one of the most important mechanisms for preserving the culture of memory, opposing the denial of genocide and building societies based on truth, responsibility and respect for human rights.
“During this week, you will not only learn from books and lectures. You will learn by walking the places where the genocide took place, talking to mothers, survivors and families of the victims, and facing the facts that make us responsible,” said the director of the Memorial Center, Emir Suljagić.
Our wish is that you leave Srebrenica not only with more knowledge, but also with a deeper understanding of what it means to protect the truth, human dignity and the value of every human life. You will take the knowledge you acquire here with you to your countries and communities, where you will have the opportunity to turn it into education, research, public advocacy and action against the denial of genocide and all forms of hatred,” added Suljagić.
Understanding the historical context and consequences of genocide
After the introductory lecture, the participants, accompanied by the curator of the Center and the coordinator of the program, Azir Osmanović, toured the complex of the Memorial Center, including permanent museum exhibits, where they learned about the history of the genocide committed against Bosniaks in Srebrenica in July 1995, as well as the work of the Memorial Center on documenting facts, preserving memories and developing educational programs. During the first day of the program, a tour of important locations in the city of Srebrenica is planned, so that the participants can gain a deeper understanding of the area, the historical context and the consequences of the genocide through direct experience.
The international summer school ‘Genocide Studies’ gathers students, researchers, young professionals and activists from different parts of the world, providing an interdisciplinary space for the study of genocide, human rights, transitional justice, memorialization and prevention of mass crimes. At the same time, the program encourages international cooperation and the exchange of experiences among future experts and agents of change in their communities.
Lectures, talks and visits to key locations
During the next week, participants will attend lectures by domestic and international experts in the fields of history, law, sociology and genocide studies, talk to witnesses of genocide, learn about archiving, oral history and visit key locations related to the events of July 1995. Through a combination of academic work and direct experience, the program seeks to enable a deeper understanding of the genocide in Srebrenica and its significance in contemporary discussions about human rights, responsibility and the prevention of future crimes.
The international summer school “Genocide Studies” is one of the key educational programs of the Srebrenica Memorial Center, aimed at connecting academic knowledge, historical facts and experiences of survivors, with the aim of strengthening the global network of young researchers and professionals dedicated to preserving the truth and the culture of memory.
The International Summer School program is implemented with the financial support of the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federal Ministry of Displaced Persons and Refugees. One of the sponsors of this year’s program is JP BH POŠTA, whose support contributes to the successful realization of the Summer School activities, according to the press team of the Srebrenica Memorial Center.
