Why it matters:
The Srebrenica massacre — Europe’s worst atrocity since World War II — remains a painful symbol of ethnic cleansing, international failure, and unhealed trauma. The 30th anniversary comes as new conflicts elsewhere, including in Gaza, renew global calls for accountability and justice.
Flashback:
Despite being declared a UN “safe zone,” Srebrenica fell to Bosnian Serb forces in July 1995. Over 8,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys were systematically executed over a few days, while UN peacekeepers failed to prevent the massacre. The atrocity was later classified as genocide by international courts.
Key points:
- This year, the remains of seven newly identified victims — discovered in mass graves and identified via DNA — were laid to rest.
- A delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran, including a government spokesperson, attended the ceremony and expressed solidarity with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Political, cultural, and religious representatives from various countries joined Bosnian officials and victims' families to pay tribute.
Between the lines:
Srebrenica is more than a historical tragedy — it is a living reminder of what happens when hatred is left unchecked and human dignity is abandoned. As violence continues in other parts of the world, such as Gaza, the moral lessons of Srebrenica remain tragically relevant.
Go deeper:
Global Action in Srebrenica, Could Prevent Gaza Genocide: Araghchi
Neda Sajjadi
