ICMP Director in Potocari: Withholding information on mass graves is a crime

Speaking to N1, Bomberger emphasised the ongoing challenges in locating the remains of around 1,000 people still listed as missing from the 1992–1995 war, and addressed the continued denial of the Srebrenica genocide.

“Thirty years ago, the number of missing persons was much higher. Thanks to the tireless work of investigators, over 75% of those listed as missing have been found,” Bomberger said.

When it comes to Srebrenica specifically, she pointed out that over 90% of the more than 8,000 Muslim men and boys who disappeared as a result of premeditated mass executions have been located and identified.

“Efforts to locate the remaining mass graves are extremely difficult and ongoing. These are daily efforts, and they continue despite the many obstacles,” she said.

Bomberger stressed that withholding information about the location of mass graves is a criminal offence.

“Anyone with information about the location of these crimes must come forward—not only because withholding such information is a crime, but to help end the suffering of the families still searching for their loved ones,” she added.

She also warned against the persistent denial of the genocide, calling it “an outrageous spread of disinformation,” and emphasised the undeniable evidence gathered over the years.

“DNA analysis has been used extensively in the identification of victims. These are irrefutable forensic facts,” Bomberger stated, explaining that DNA evidence has not only helped confirm identities but has also linked remains to original crime scenes and uncovered efforts to conceal the crimes through secondary burials.

On the issue of education, Bomberger criticised the fact that so many citizens, including young people, remain unaware of the events that took place during the war, including the genocide in Srebrenica.

“It’s appalling that 30 years later, not every citizen and every child in this country knows what happened. The only way to break the cycle of hatred and prevent future crimes is to teach this history in schools. Every child needs to know,” she said.

This year, seven victims of the Srebrenica genocide will be laid to rest in the Potocari Memorial Centre. Thousands of mourners are expected to attend the commemoration ceremony.