Mr. President,

Excellencies,

Esteemed survivors and families of the victims,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today, we gather to commemorate the 1995 Srebrenica genocide, a tragic chapter in our shared history which claimed the lives of over 8,000 innocent men and boys. It is with a heavy heart, yet a resolute spirit, that I stand before you to honor the memory of those who perished and to reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring that such atrocities never happen again. Our Special Representative for the Countries of the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, is in Potocari today to honor 14 more identified victims who will be put to their final rest.

Germany took the firm decision to co-facilitate United Nations General Assembly resolution 78/282 that designated July 11th as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration for the victims of the Srebrenica genocide – together with Rwanda and the cross regional core-group, including Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This resolution is not just a symbol of remembrance, but a commitment to justice, truth and atrocity prevention in the future. In commemorating a genocide that has been established as such by international courts – namely the ICTY and the ICJ – the international community commits to the principles of accountability and the fight against impunity. In the same vein, the resolution sends a clear message against any form of genocide denial.

At the core of this commemoration is a victim-centered approach. I firmly believe that a focus on the victims and survivors must guide our actions and our remembrance. We must continue to place the survivors and the families of the victims at the heart of our efforts. Their pain, their stories, and their resilience must inform our pursuit of truth and our quest for justice.

In this context, I would like to express our profound admiration for the Mothers of Srebrenica organization and all activists from among the families of the victims – in particular my admiration for strong women such as Munira Subašić and Kada Hotić, who came all the way to New York last week. Their unwavering courage and determination in the face of unimaginable loss are more than inspirational. Despite enduring the heart-wrenching loss of so many loved ones, they have channeled their grief into a powerful force for reconciliation and education.

The Mothers of Srebrenica have tirelessly worked to ensure that the memory of the victims is preserved and that the lessons of Srebrenica are not forgotten. Their emphasis on education is particularly commendable. By educating future generations about the atrocities of the past, they are fostering a culture of peace, understanding, and mutual respect. Their efforts are instrumental in building bridges between communities and promoting reconciliation in a region that has seen too much division and conflict. I find it very encouraging to see young civil society activists from all countries of the region – including Serbia – uniting in remembrance.

It is essential to underscore that this commemoration is not about tearing open old wounds but – to the contrary! – about the necessary healing of such wounds. Remembering the past is a crucial step in our journey towards healing. Germans are absolutely aware of this lesson given our own history. By acknowledging the pain and suffering endured by the victims and their families, we honor their memory and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.

As we commemorate this solemn occasion, let us also renew our pledge to uphold the principles of human rights, dignity, and justice. Let us work together to build a world where such tragedies are consigned to history, and where the legacy of Srebrenica serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and promote peace.

Thank you.