Three decades after the Srebrenica genocide, the article highlights ongoing efforts to remember and identify victims amidst persistent denial by Bosnian Serb leaders. It details recent burials of identified remains, the struggle of survivors like Hajrudin Paraganlija and Almasa Salihović, and the mainstreaming of genocide denial in Republika Srpska, contrasting with the work of the Srebrenica Memorial Centre to preserve memory.
‘The voices of our dead have not faded away’: the fight for the memory of genocide in Srebrenica
Bosnia and HerzegovinaRatko MladićIslamReligionEuropeWorldWar crimes
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Three decades after the Srebrenica genocide, the article highlights ongoing efforts to remember and identify victims amidst persistent denial by Bosnian Serb leaders. It details recent burials of identified remains, the struggle of survivors like Hajrudin Paraganlija and Almasa Salihović, and the mainstreaming of genocide denial in Republika Srpska, contrasting with the work of the Srebrenica Memorial Centre to preserve memory.
Trending- 1 1992: First wave of mass killings in north-eastern Bosnia, including Joševa.
- 2 April 1993: Srebrenica declared a UN-protected "safe area".
- 3 3am, 6 July 1995: Bosnian Serb army under Gen Ratko Mladić begins attack on Srebrenica "safe area".
- 4 11 July 1995: Bosnian Serb forces seize Srebrenica; civilians flee to Potočari.
- 5 12 July 1995: Serb forces take control of Potočari, begin separating men and boys.
- 6 13 July 1995: Those inside the battery factory are ordered out and seized; Abdulah Salihović is killed.
- 7 November 1995: Dayton peace agreement ends the war, creating Republika Srpska.
- 8 Last year: Hariz Halilovich publishes a study of Serb songs celebrating the genocide.
- 9 Last October: Srebrenica Memorial Centre identified as "Ratko Mladić Park" on Google Maps.
- 10 March (this year): Srebrenica Memorial Centre forced to close temporarily due to threats from Milorad Dodik.
- 11 May (recently): Group burial of identified victims' remains in Bratunac.
- 12 11 July (upcoming): 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.
- Continued grief and trauma for survivors.
- Mainstreaming of genocide denial.
- Difficulties in identifying and burying victims.
- Forced closure of the Srebrenica Memorial Centre.
- Segregation and fear among Bosniaks.
- Children missing out on education about the genocide.
What: The ongoing struggle for remembrance and identification of victims of the Srebrenica genocide, three decades after the event, amidst widespread denial and glorification of perpetrators by Bosnian Serb leaders.
When: Three decades after 11 July 1995 (Srebrenica genocide); Recently (group burial in Bratunac); 1992 (first wave of killings); April 1993 (Srebrenica declared UN safe area); 3am on 6 July 1995 (second wave of killings began); 11 July 1995 (Bosnian Serb forces seized Srebrenica, civilians fled to Potočari); 12 July 1995 (Serb forces took Potočari); Thursday 13 July 1995 (those inside battery factory ordered out); November 1995 (Dayton peace agreement); Last year (Halilovich's study); March (this year, Srebrenica Memorial Centre forced to close); Last October (Google Maps hack); 11 July (upcoming 30th anniversary).
Where: Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bratunac, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Joševa (village); Potočari, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Dutch UN headquarters, Srebrenica Memorial Centre); Zvornik (border town); Republika Srpska; Belgrade, Serbia; Kravica (agricultural warehouse).
Why: To preserve the memory of the genocide, identify and bury victims, and counter the widespread denial and glorification of perpetrators by Bosnian Serb leaders.
How: Through group burials of identified remains, the work of the Srebrenica Memorial Centre (exhibits, DNA analysis, collection of personal effects), and the testimonies of survivors and academics, despite efforts to erase evidence and deny the genocide.