The event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide took place at the Srebrenica Memorial Center, featuring speeches from both domestic and international officials, delivered in person or through messages.

The final speaker was Denis Bećirović, the Bosniak member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), who declared that July 11 will forever be recognized as the International Day of Remembrance for the Srebrenica Genocide.

In a message read by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, it was noted that the “tragic lesson” from Srebrenica serves as a collective obligation to prevent and address such atrocities while firmly rejecting any form of revisionism.

“We cannot place the burden of shame on entire nations. What is essential is a commitment to just actions that can pave the way for reconciliation,” Mattarella emphasized.

He further highlighted that, with this intent, the UN General Assembly proclaimed July 11th as the International Day of Remembrance for the Srebrenica Genocide last May to ensure the remembrance of these tragic events.

The Italian President reiterated that BiH will always count on Italy’s support.

In a video address, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan remarked that the failure of the international community to halt the genocide of Bosniaks in Srebrenica “will mark a lasting shame.”

He explained that Turkey’s advocacy for UN reforms is rooted in the fight against the mentality encapsulated in the saying: ‘Let the snake that doesn’t bite me live a thousand years.’

Recalling the words of the late Bosniak leader Alija Izetbegović, Erdogan stated: “Whatever you do, do not forget the genocide, for a forgotten genocide is bound to be repeated.”

He added that the passing of the Srebrenica Resolution at the UN signifies a strong commitment to combat genocide.

“The situation in Gaza illustrates that the international community has not learned the necessary lessons from Srebrenica,” Erdogan pointed out, stating that the Israeli government will eventually face accountability before history.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković characterized Srebrenica as “more than a tragedy” and “a warning symbol.”

He noted that both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia suffered from the aggression of the Milosevic regime, the former president of Serbia.

“Like you in Srebrenica, we are still searching for our missing… In Srebrenica, evil manifested in its most horrific, genocidal form. The international community also failed here,” Plenković stated.

Numerous officials during their speeches at the commemoration highlighted the shared responsibility of Europe and the global community for failing to prevent the Srebrenica genocide.

Following the commemoration, a religious ceremony was held, and seven newly identified victims of Srebrenica were laid to rest at the Memorial Center.

Today marks a Day of Mourning in the Federation of BiH, with no officials or politicians from Republika Srpska participating in the 30th anniversary commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide.

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