Suljagic holds talks with U.S. Congressman Wesley Bell and school officials in St. Louis

During their visit to Bayless High School, the delegation met with school administrators and teaching staff to discuss ways to incorporate the history of the Srebrenica genocide into US curricula, the use of survivors' testimonies and historical documentation in teaching, and opportunities for teacher training and the development of joint educational materials.

The Memorial Center's educational project managers, Almir Salihovic and Edin Ikanovic, presented its international education programs and a teacher training and certification model being developed in cooperation with the United Nations. They highlighted the potential to apply the experience gained through these initiatives in American schools and establish long-term cooperation with teachers and students.

A second meeting was held with Congressman Wesley Bell, who represents Missouri and co-chairs the Bosnia and Herzegovina Caucus in the US House of Representatives. The meeting was organized with the support of the Congress of North American Bosniaks (CNAB).

The talks focused on the position of the Srebrenica Memorial Center, pressures affecting its work, and the importance of continued support from U.S. institutions in protecting the historical truth about the Srebrenica genocide. Particular attention was given to actions taken by institutions in Republika Srpska against the Center's employees, including police questioning and attempts to undermine the uninterrupted operation of this state-level institution of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Suljagic thanked Congressman Bell for his continued support, particularly for a joint statement he issued with Congresswoman Ann Wagner in August 2026 after 26 current and former Memorial Center employees were summoned for police questioning. In the statement, the lawmakers called for respect for the rule of law, protection of the independence of Bosnia’s institutions, and allowing the Center to carry out its mission without intimidation.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of continued cooperation with the U.S. Congress in countering genocide denial and historical revisionism, protecting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s democratic institutions, and expanding the Memorial Center’s educational activities in the United States. Suljagic also invited Congressman Bell to visit the Srebrenica Memorial Center.

Both engagements are part of the Memorial Center’s broader initiative to develop international partnerships and strengthen education on genocide, human rights and the prevention of mass atrocities.