New york: The chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Becirovic, addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, emphasizing that denying the 1995 Srebrenica genocide is "an anti-civilizational act." This statement was made during the observance of the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the Genocide, highlighting the ongoing struggle against denialism.
According to Anadolu Agency, Becirovic lauded the UN's adoption of a resolution recognizing the day as "a triumph of truth, a step towards justice, and an encouragement for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the entire world." He underscored the gravity of the massacre, which saw more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys killed, stating that these were "not just numbers, but interrupted human lives."
Becirovic stressed the importance of acknowledging the humanity of the victims, describing them as "people who had names, families, and dreams, children who never grew up, mothers whose sons never returned home." He pointed out that countries confronting their past show responsibility towards future generations, whereas those denying established court facts remain shackled by "hatred and instability."
"The denial of the genocide against Bosniaks is an anti-civilizational act," Becirovic remarked, calling it an insult to the deceased and a threat to the living. He urged the international community to uphold the integrity of international law and institutions, warning against political manipulations of court-established facts.
Becirovic emphasized that truth and justice are vital for lasting peace, asserting that without them, trust and reconciliation cannot be achieved. He further highlighted that remembering Srebrenica is not only a duty to the victims but also a responsibility to future generations.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, through his Chef de Cabinet Earle Courtenay Rattray, reiterated the need for vigilance against atrocity crimes. Rattray, speaking on Guterres' behalf, warned that glorification of war criminals is a red flag, emphasizing prevention as a shared duty and the best protection.
UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock, via a video message, noted that genocide begins long before the violence erupts, starting with "hatred and discrimination" and policies that dehumanize people.
The Srebrenica genocide, which occurred on July 11, 1995, saw Bosnian Serb forces under Ratko Mladic capture the UN-protected enclave. Many Bosniak men and boys were executed, and their remains have been painstakingly recovered and identified over the years. The International Court of Justice recognized the massacre as genocide in 2007, and efforts continue to remember and honor the victims, with thousands buried at the Potocari Memorial Cemetery.