Safeguard Truths of Srebrenica against Denial, Revisionism, Secretary-General Urges in International Day Message

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Safeguard Truths of Srebrenica against Denial, Revisionism, Secretary-General Urges in International Day Message

Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres' message on the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica, observed on 11 July:

On the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica, we honour the memory of more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys who were systematically murdered, and the thousands of women, children and older persons who were forcibly displaced.

The intention to annihilate the Bosnian Muslims of Srebrenica did not succeed. We stand in solidarity with the survivors and the families of the victims, including the Mothers of Srebrenica, whose courage has kept the truth before the world.

International courts have established that the crimes committed in Srebrenica constituted genocide. They also affirmed that criminal responsibility is individual and can never be attributed to any ethnic, religious or other group.

Remembering Srebrenica means safeguarding these truths against denial and revisionism, pursuing accountability and recognizing the suffering of every victim. It also means confronting hate speech and discrimination, and renewing our resolve to make "never again" a reality for all.

On this solemn day, let us remember the victims, listen to the survivors and take action to advance justice, reconciliation and peace. May the memory of Srebrenica strengthen our commitment to human dignity - today and for generations to come.