UN chief urges world to defend truth on Srebrenica genocide anniversary

In a statement issued for the occasion, Guterres honoured the memory of more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys who were systematically killed, as well as the thousands of women, children and elderly people who were forcibly displaced.

“The intention to destroy the Bosnian Muslims of Srebrenica failed,” Guterres said. “We stand in solidarity with the survivors and the families of the victims, including the Mothers of Srebrenica, whose courage has preserved the truth before the world.”

The UN chief recalled that international courts have ruled that the crimes committed in Srebrenica constituted genocide. He stressed that criminal responsibility is individual and must never be attributed to any ethnic, religious or other group.

Guterres underscored the importance of safeguarding historical facts, confronting genocide denial and continuing efforts toward justice, reconciliation and lasting peace.

“Remembering Srebrenica means protecting these truths from denial and revisionism, seeking accountability and recognizing the suffering of every victim,” he said. “It also means confronting hate speech and discrimination and renewing our determination to make ‘never again’ a reality for all.”

The United Nations also released a documentary titled “Guardians of Srebrenica’s Memory”, which follows the stories of three genocide survivors now working at the Srebrenica Memorial Center in Potocari. The film highlights their efforts to preserve memory and historical truth at a time when genocide denial continues to persist, a phenomenon described as the final stage of genocide.

At a UN press briefing in New York, officials said the UN country team in Bosnia and Herzegovina stands with survivors, victims’ families and communities across the country in commemorating the victims.

Supported by the UN Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund, the UN team continues working with institutions, civil society organizations and survivor associations to address the legacy of the conflict by supporting survivors, promoting healing from intergenerational trauma, and strengthening reconciliation and social cohesion.

UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina Arnhild Spence, together with members of the UN country team, is expected to attend the official commemoration at the Srebrenica Memorial Center in Potocari.