On the 28th Anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide
As delivered by Deputy Political Counselor Lewis Gitter
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
July 13, 2023
This past Tuesday, July 11, marked 28 years since more than 8,000 men and boys were brutally murdered in the Srebrenica Genocide. The American people join the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in mourning and honoring the victims. We stand with all those who lost their loved ones in Srebrenica and with those who continue to fight for truth and justice.
The United States urges all authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina to acknowledge the incontrovertible truth about the Srebrenica genocide, honor the victims, support the survivors, and continue to investigate and prosecute perpetrators. We are deeply committed to supporting leaders at all levels in Bosnia and Herzegovina who have the courage to take meaningful steps toward reconciliation in the pursuit of a better future for all citizens. Only through reconciliation will all citizens prosper.
The United States values its longstanding friendship with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and continues to stand as a steadfast partner committed to our shared goal of a democratic, inclusive, and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina on the path to full Euro-Atlantic integration.
On this 28-year anniversary, let us solemnly reflect on how unchecked abuses of predatory power, contempt for human life and dignity, and the deliberate fueling of ethnic hatred can lead to what happened in Srebrenica 28 years ago. May we honor the precious lives so mercilessly cut short by upholding the truth, justice, and our common humanity.
The world will never forget Srebrenica.
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