Organized commemorations for the victims of genocide serve to uphold humanity in the face of defeat in Srebrenica, despite the reluctance of certain political entities to acknowledge the judicially and scientifically verified truth, stated the President of the Executive Board of the Bosniak Council (BV), Mirsad Rastoder.

He made these remarks during the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Srebrenica Genocide, organized by BV, the Center for Civic Education, and Action for Human Rights at the Memorial Park for Civilian Victims in Pobrežje, Podgorica.

Rastoder affirmed that a civic, anti-fascist, and pro-European Montenegro truly honors the victims while joining the regional and international community to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.

He noted that, due to the efforts of commendable individuals, NGOs, and communities, the Day of Remembrance for Civilian Victims has been observed for 20 years in Podgorica and other Montenegrin cities.

“By holding memorials for the victims of genocide, we are upholding humanity against defeat in Srebrenica and other sites of atrocity, irrespective of some political entities’ reluctance to acknowledge the judicially and scientifically established truths that can heal wounds and foster trust for future generations,” Rastoder asserted.

He pointed out that the Potočari memorial center lists 8,372 names of men and boys—civilians who were brutally killed between July 11 and 19, 1995.

Rastoder expressed deep respect for the victims of genocide, as well as all civilian victims of aggression from 1991 to 2001, extending heartfelt condolences to their families.

“We are determined to protect ourselves collectively and to defend against the ideologies that led to genocide,” he added.

He warned that we must remember that Srebrenica symbolizes the pinnacle of a series of horrific crimes throughout the 90s.

“There are still officials within our country who attempt to deny, relativize, and justify these crimes while glorifying and promoting criminals as heroes,” Rastoder said.

He noted that “Srebrenica is watching us.”

“It is observing the international community that failed to provide support and protect civilians in the United Nations safe zone during their most desperate moment,” Rastoder remarked.

According to him, Montenegro remains a nation of good intentions but sporadic actions.

“While it’s commendable that Montenegro adopted both the Resolution and the earlier Declaration on Srebrenica, these must serve as a foundation for action. It’s time to begin penalizing crimes committed in Montenegro, and the truth about the Srebrenica genocide and all other crimes must be integrated into our educational curricula,” Rastoder urged.

He questioned how no government has yet enacted a decree recognizing the International Day of Remembrance, thereby establishing an official mandate for its observance.

Rastoder emphasized that Montenegro must not falter.

“We must decisively and consistently implement decisions, resolutions, international documents, and adhere to our own tradition of humanity and heroism,” said Rastoder.

He stated that honoring the victims allows truth to pave the way for peace in the region.

“We call upon the Parliament and Government of Montenegro to urgently pass a regulation declaring July 11th as the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Srebrenica Genocide and to delineate specific responsibilities for honoring this day,” Rastoder asserted.

He demanded that the judiciary act firmly against those who deny the genocide and those who celebrate war criminals convicted by international and domestic courts for their crimes in Srebrenica and elsewhere.

“Montenegrin authorities must stand as a bulwark against the ideologies that caused genocide rather than support or remain silent observers of actions that undermine the state’s institutional integrity,” Rastoder maintained.

As he stated, Montenegro must confront its wartime history.

“We must cultivate generations whose hearts resonate with the call for ‘forgiveness of Srebrenica,'” Rastoder expressed.

He believes that this is the most effective safeguard against allowing a concealed past to dictate the country’s future.

“We insist that Montenegro takes responsibility for creating a future where new generations are spared further suffering. Victims of crimes across all faiths and nationalities compel us to advocate for justice, truth, and reconciliation,” Rastoder concluded.

Writer Balša Brković remarked that a heinous crime occurred 30 years ago that resonated worldwide.

He stated, “the murderers and criminals responsible for Srebrenica are being celebrated among us.”

“Those who wish to remember Srebrenica are labeled as being manipulated by the West. However, it is most straightforward to recognize the events as they unfolded without need for additional interpretations,” Brković noted.

He indicated that the echo of Srebrenica endures, and it is good that it has persisted for three decades.

“As long as we remember Srebrenica, we affirm our humanity. If we are a society, we must find a way to articulate the obvious, clearly stating when a lie transcends fabrication into a manifestation of naked hatred—a hatred that can devastate any landscape,” said Brković.

He condemned any denial of the Srebrenica genocide as yet another murder of the innocent victims.

“It is another blow to the innocent. Thus, it is agonizing to exist in a society where such rhetoric is not an aberration but is commonplace. In a society that fails to penalize this inhumanity, inhumanity triumphs and establishes its own measure,” Brković asserted.

He emphasized that only under such circumstances could atrocities like those from 30 years ago first transpire.

“It is possible for individuals to revert to savagery, becoming antithetical to all that is human. Every lie culminates in bloodshed, leaving a trail of violence. Every falsehood rooted in deceit ultimately finds resolution in brutality. We witnessed it, and we must remember it,” Brković urged.

The event saw the attendance of Minister of European Affairs Maida Gorčević, Minister of Justice Bojan Božović, Chief Negotiator of Montenegro with the European Union Predrag Zenović, Mayor of Podgorica Sasa Mujović, and United States Ambassador Judy Rising Reinke.

Also present were Ombudsman Siniša Bjeković, along with various representatives from political parties and civil society.

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