The EU remembers the Srebrenica massacre: ‘We reject any denial of the genocide’

Brussels – The institutions of the European Union commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide by highlighting the hatred and denial still present about that tragedy. A statement of the European Parliament reads: “We strongly condemn any denial, distortion or minimization of the Srebrenica genocide.”

In this statement, the group leaders of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Human Rights and Delegation for Relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo recall: “On 11 July 1995, over 8000 innocent men and boys were brutally murdered in Srebrenica by the Bosnian-Serb Army. This atrocity, perpetrated during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of hatred, intolerance, and xenophobia.”

One of the key points of this statement is the importance of international legal institutions in the preservation and enforcement of human rights: “As we commemorate this solemn occasion, we pay tribute to the survivors and their families, who have endured unimaginable suffering and trauma,” the MEPs said in the statement, adding: “We also acknowledge the courage and resilience of those who have worked tirelessly to seek justice and accountability for these heinous crimes, through both the national criminal system of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). The ICTY’s work is an illustration of the crucial importance of international criminal justice and the need to preserve and further develop it.”

The MEPs also highlight the difficulties that persist in the world due to denial and hatred: “Let us underline that the truth about the atrocities needs to be universally recognised, and establishing 11 July as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration for the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica was a step towards this aim. We must preserve the memory of the victims, while rejecting any denial revisionism, denial or misinterpretation of the genocide, to learn from the past in order to build a better future.” 

The statement concludes discussing the importance of the role the European Union can play to prevent this kind of tragedy from happening again: “n this sombre occasion, we reiterate our commitment to work towards a Europe and a world where such atrocities can never happen again, and where human rights, democracy, and the rule of law are upheld for all. The European Parliament remains steadfast in its commitment to the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as that of all Western Balkan countries. Regional cooperation and the European integration process provide the strongest foundation for reconciliation and overcoming divisions.” 

Regarding this tragedy, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “It is our duty to remember and to preserve the truth, so that future generations know exactly what happened. They must know that in the Summer of 1995, victims were systematically executed and buried in mass graves within the UN-designated ‘safe area’ of Srebrenica. A town they believed would protect them in the brutal war that was ravaging Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

Von der Leyen also calls for this massacre to be recognized by all countries and for the victims to be rightly acknowledged and honored: “The European Union will never forget what happened in this town. We acknowledge our past and recognize our responsibility for failing to prevent and stop the genocide. We will also never allow history to be rewritten. We firmly reject and condemn any denial, distortion, or minimization of the Srebrenica genocide, as well as the glorification of war criminals. Political leaders have a great responsibility in that regard, in particular in Bosnia and Herzegovina and across the Western Balkans. They must lead by example in acknowledging the established facts and genuinely honoring the victims. And they must actively work towards reconciliation by confronting the roots of hatred that led to these atrocities. This is the only way towards a brighter and prosperous future for the next generation.”

The president closed by appealing to the people and political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina: “The European Union stands with you. We remain fully committed to supporting your country on its path toward EU membership. Your political leaders should do their part so your country can find its place at the heart of our Union, where it belongs.”

 In a speech delivered in Srebrenica at the ceremony commemorating the massacre, the President of the European Council, António Costa, insisted on the importance of truth: “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to accountability and truth. There is no room in Europe – or anywhere else – for genocide denial, revisionism, or the glorification of those responsible. Denying such horrors only poisons our future. It is our duty to confront and acknowledge the full truth. This is the first step in ensuring that such atrocities never happen again.”

Costa also reaffirmed the Union’s support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession: ‘We believe the place of Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the European Union. And the European Union is a safe space, an inclusive society, a place of respect for diversity and religious freedom. And we will continue to support your journey towards the European Union built on reconciliation, respect, peace, and prosperity.”