European Parliament commemorates Srebrenica Genocide

Ondrej Kolar reminded fellow MEPs of the horrors committed in Srebrenica, where people were murdered simply for who they were and what they believed.

"The tragedy of Srebrenica must serve as a stark reminder that hatred leads to conflict and suffering," he said, urging courage and a collective will to prevent future atrocities.

"We must send a clear message: there is no place for intolerance or cruelty in our societies."

Kolar concluded by stressing the importance of helping Bosnia and Herzegovina on its path to peace and prosperity.

"We have a responsibility to support the people of Bosnia and ensure that Srebrenica is never forgotten."

Matjaz Nemec reflected on how the genocide in Srebrenica was preceded by dangerous political rhetoric, rhetoric that, he warned, is still heard today.

"We remember the 8,000 civilians executed in cold blood while the world watched. It all began with inflammatory speech used by nationalists. Srebrenica was only the beginning of a brutal campaign."

He criticised the slow response of the international community, which acted only after years of bloodshed.

"Today, the suffering of the Palestinian people is being written in blood, and once again we hesitate to act," Nemec said.

"Preventing genocide must be more than empty words on paper."

Hermann Tertsch drew a historical parallel between the crimes in Srebrenica and those committed by Nazi forces in Poland.

"What was done to the men of Srebrenica mirrors what the Nazis inflicted on Poland. Srebrenica was a designated safe zone, and what happened there exposed the failure of European responsibility."

Tineke Strik expressed gratitude to two genocide survivors, Almir and Alma, who attended the commemoration in person.

"Thank you for being here. On Friday, we will mark three decades since the massacre committed by Bosnian Serb forces. The year before, ethnic cleansing had already taken place, and the world failed to act."

She criticized UN forces for not protecting the people of Srebrenica from murder and rape.

"We must not fail the people of Bosnia again. Genocide denial keeps hatred alive. Accountability for genocide and war crimes is essential."