On May 23, the United Nations General Assembly will vote on a draft resolution to declare July 11 as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 genocide in Srebrenica.
Proposed by Germany and Rwanda, this resolution enjoys support from numerous UN member states. Beyond establishing a day of remembrance, it condemns any denial of the Srebrenica Genocide and urges member states to educate their populations about the event. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of identifying the remaining victims and ensuring justice for perpetrators.
As a survivor of the genocide, I view this resolution as a vital acknowledgment of our collective history. The proposed day of remembrance serves as a crucial means of preserving the memory of those we lost.
For my family and countless others still searching for loved ones lost in the genocide, this resolution offers hope. By recognizing the atrocities committed and holding perpetrators accountable, it paves the way for reconciliation and healing.
My own family’s experience reflects the horrors inflicted during that time. Fleeing our hometown of Višegrad amidst the violence, we faced unimaginable loss and uncertainty. The subsequent years were marked by fear and longing for closure.
The search for truth and justice continues, even as some seek to deny or distort the reality of what occurred. Efforts to rewrite history only deepen the wounds of survivors and perpetuate the cycle of violence.
In the face of such denial, the proposed UN resolution is a beacon of hope. By designating July 11 as a day of reflection, it reaffirms our commitment to honoring the memory of those we lost and preventing such atrocities from happening again.
As we commemorate the victims of the Srebrenica Genocide, let us also recommit ourselves to the pursuit of truth and justice. Only by acknowledging the past can we build a future free from hatred and violence.
