UN unveils “Srebrenica Flower” memorial honoring victims of 1995 genocide

During the unveiling ceremony, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed stated that the United Nations failed the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the survivors of Srebrenica. She emphasized that it is fitting for this memorial to stand at the entrance of the institution that did not prevent the genocide despite its mandate.

Bosnia Presidency member Denis Becirovic said that humanity must never again allow genocide to occur. He described the monument as permanent testimony to the crime committed against Bosniaks and a universal warning of the consequences of hatred and violence. Becirovic added that the memorial will remain at the UN headquarters indefinitely.

Chaloka Beyani, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, said the “Srebrenica Flower” is dedicated to all victims of the genocide. He called it a reminder of loved ones lost and a message to children worldwide to defend peace. Beyani highlighted that the memorial’s unveiling comes as the UN prepares to mark the International Day of Reflection and Remembrance for the Srebrenica Genocide, established by a 2024 General Assembly resolution.

Munira Subasic, representing the Mothers of Srebrenica, said 22 of her closest family members were killed, including her husband and son. She noted that the white elements of the memorial symbolize innocence, while the green represents life, life that was denied to the murdered simply because of their identity. She added that Srebrenica’s mothers have spent nearly 30 years searching for remains and demanding justice.

The “Srebrenica Flower,” created by artist Adin Hebib, has been placed near monuments dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the Berlin Wall, and Antun Augustincic’s “Horseman,” gifted to the UN by Josip Broz Tito almost six decades ago. According to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s UN Ambassador Zlatko Lagumdzija, attendance at the ceremony was limited due to space but included diplomats from countries that previously voted against or abstained on the Srebrenica resolution, which he described as a symbolic victory over genocide denial.

The genocide in Srebrenica has been confirmed by the International Court of Justice and the Hague Tribunal. Courts in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Croatia have sentenced 54 individuals to a total of 781 years in prison, along with five life sentences, including those handed down to Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic. To date, 6,765 victims have been buried at the Srebrenica–Potocari Memorial Center, while more than a thousand remain missing.