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UN General Assembly designates July 11th as Srebrenica genocide remembrance day

UN General Assembly designates July 11th as Srebrenica genocide remembrance day
By Yagiz Efe Parmaksiz
May 23, 2024 10:28 PM

The United Nations declares July 11th as the “International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica,” following a resolution with overwhelming support from the General Assembly

The United Nations, in a landmark decision, has designated July 11th as Srebrenica genocide remembrance day, following a resolution passed with overwhelming support from the General Assembly.

Initiated by Germany and backed by over 40 nations, the resolution declares July 11th as the “International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.”

With 84 nations voting in favor, 19 against, and 68 abstentions, the resolution unequivocally condemns the denial and glorification of the Srebrenica genocide, emphasizing the imperative of identifying victims and bringing perpetrators to justice.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic criticized the resolution as highly politicized, highlighting that the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia has already established individual accountability for those convicted of Srebrenica crimes. Vucic warned that the resolution could lead to numerous similar resolutions regarding genocide issues, potentially creating further controversies.
 
Vucic accused Germany of threatening countries that do not support the decision, questioning, “Are these European values or democratic values?”
 
On the other hand, after the adoption of the draft resolution, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was seen sitting in the UN General Assembly wrapped in the Serbian flag.

While not legally binding, General Assembly resolutions carry significant political weight, sending a powerful message to the global community. The Srebrenica genocide, perpetrated despite the presence of Dutch peacekeeping troops, remains a stark reminder of the atrocities of war.

In a related development, the UN General Assembly observed a moment of silence for Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and senior government officials killed in a helicopter crash in Iran’s northwestern East Azerbaijan province.

Source: Newsroom 

Last Updated:  Jun 3, 2024 5:02 PM