Potocari, Bosnia and Herzegovina, July 9, 2025 — In Potocari, near Srebrenica, the reburial of the remains of seven newly identified victims of the 1995 genocide took place. Over 6,700 people are now buried at the memorial cemetery.
The ceremony was held in the lead-up to the 30th anniversary of the tragedy, in which Bosnian Serb forces killed over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys. These events are recognized as genocide by the International Court of Justice.
On the eve of the anniversary, around 7,000 people participated in the traditional Peace March, retracing the escape route of the victims from Srebrenica in July 1995.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres recalled that the tragedy was the result of international inaction and propaganda. The UN acknowledged its inability to protect civilians even in the declared safe zone.
Despite efforts to preserve memory and historical truth, denial of the genocide continues – especially in Serbia, as well as in Republika Srpska – an autonomous entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina with a predominantly Serb population. This remains a serious obstacle to the reconciliation process.
In May 2024, the UN General Assembly proclaimed July 11 as the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Srebrenica, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the crimes of the past.