UN Assembly Adopts Resolution to Commemorate Srebrenica Genocide

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution condemning the denial of the Srebrenica genocide, a dark chapter in the war that followed the breakup of former Yugoslavia. The resolution, sponsored by Germany and Rwanda, received a recorded vote of 84 nations in favor, 19 against, and 68 abstentions.

The massacre in Srebrenica occurred in July 1995 when the Bosnian Serb army overran the town, previously declared a safe area by the Security Council. Thousands of men and teenagers were brutally murdered, and many more were expelled from the town. The International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia recognized these killings as an act of genocide.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, welcomed the resolution as a step towards justice and truth for the victims and survivors. He emphasized the importance of preserving the facts and preventing denial of such atrocities in the future.

Germany, a sponsor of the resolution, emphasized the need to honor the victims and support survivors who continue to bear the scars of that tragic time. Ambassador Antje Leendertse highlighted the role of international courts in fighting impunity and ensuring accountability for genocide, while speaking against denial and glorification of perpetrators.

On the other hand, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić criticized the resolution as highly politicized, warning that it would open a Pandora’s box and deepen divisions. He argued that the resolution did not go through an inclusive process and would only create instability instead of promoting reconciliation.

As the world prepares to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, this resolution serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging past atrocities and working towards a future free from conflict and violence.