UNITED NATIONS: The UN General Assembly has voted to designate July 11 as the “International Day of Remembrance of the Srebrenica Genocide,” to acknowledge and honor the victims of the 1995 massacre, despite furious opposition from Bosnian Serbs and Serbia.
The resolution, spearheaded by Germany and Rwanda, received overwhelming support with 84 votes in favor, 19 against, and 68 abstentions. The decision comes amid heated debate and warnings of potential political turmoil from Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who warned against reopening old wounds.
The resolution seeks to foster reconciliation and preserve historical memory by condemning any denial of the genocide and urging UN member countries to uphold established facts. It underscores the gravity of the atrocities committed in Srebrenica, where approximately 8,000 Muslim men and teenagers were massacred by Bosnian Serb forces in July 1995, a crime recognized as genocide by international courts.
Despite efforts to mitigate tensions by emphasizing individual culpability rather than attributing blame to entire ethnic or religious groups, Serbia and Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik vehemently reject the resolution, denying the occurrence of genocide in Srebrenica.
The European Union has condemned such denial, affirming the importance of acknowledging historical truths for the sake of peace and reconciliation in the region. For the families of the victims, the UN’s recognition of the Srebrenica genocide represents a crucial step towards justice and closure.
