UN Adopts Srebrenica Remembrance Day Resolution, Offering Hope for Reconciliation in Bosnia

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution commemorating July 11 as Srebrenica Remembrance Day, marking a significant step towards acknowledging the past and working towards reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The resolution, which condemns any denial of the Srebrenica genocide, functions as a solemn reminder of the need to prevent such atrocities and honor the victims and survivors.

The Srebrenica genocide, which took place in July 1995 during the Bosnian War, resulted in the massacre of more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys by Bosnian Serb forces, despite the town being declared a 'safe area' by the UN. The adoption of this resolution provides an opportunity for educational initiatives, commemorative events, and efforts to promote tolerance and reconciliation.

Why this matters: The UN resolution on Srebrenica Remembrance Day represents a vital step in addressing the legacy of the Bosnian War and fostering reconciliation in the region. By acknowledging the past and honoring the victims, the international community aims to prevent future atrocities and promote a more peaceful and inclusive future for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The resolution was supported by dozens of non-governmental organizations and the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, who has previously denied the Srebrenica genocide. However, Dodik has threatened to withdraw from the decision-making process in Bosnia if the resolution is adopted, while Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has called for its withdrawal, stating that it "does not lead to reconciliation, but to destabilization of the region."

The Chairman of the BiH Presidency, Denis Bećirović, emphasized the importance of the resolution during discussions with the Ambassador of Iran to BiH, Abuzar Ebrahimi Torkaman. Bećirović highlighted the OIC Resolutions adopted in 2011 and 2022, which called for the same commemoration. The Iranian Ambassador expressed Iran's support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and condemned the Srebrenica genocide.

The resolution was initiated by Germany and Rwanda, with the participation of several other countries, including the United States, Albania, Finland, New Zealand, and Turkey. The UK, which is the only country outside Bosnia and Herzegovina that commemorates the Srebrenica genocide at a national level, has been urged by Dr Waqar Azmi OBE, Chairman of Remembering Srebrenica UK, to support the resolution and lobby other UN member states to vote in favor of it.

The adoption of the Srebrenica Remembrance Day resolution by the UN General Assembly offers new hope for dialogue and reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As Dr Azmi stated, the International Day will not only honor the victims and survivors but also provide an opportunity to bring communities together, reject hatred, and create stronger, safer, and more cohesive societies. The resolution serves as a testament to the international community's

Key Takeaways

• UN General Assembly adopted resolution commemorating Srebrenica genocide on July 11.
• Resolution condemns denial of Srebrenica genocide and promotes reconciliation in Bosnia.
• Resolution supported by NGOs and Republika Srpska president, but opposed by Serbia.
• Resolution initiated by Germany, Rwanda, and other countries, including the US.
• Resolution offers hope for dialogue and reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.