Vienna takes permanent care of Srebrenica Memorial, historic step for culture of remembrance

By taking this step, the City of Vienna has assumed responsibility for the permanent maintenance and preservation of the memorial, ensuring that the memory of the victims of the Srebrenica genocide remains a lasting presence in the public space of the Austrian capital. This marks a historic moment and sends a strong message that truth, justice and the culture of remembrance are enduring European values.

The inclusion of the memorial among the public monuments of the City of Vienna confirms that remembrance of the Srebrenica genocide is not solely a matter for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but part of a shared European responsibility.

This important step continues a process that began on July 6, 2022, when the National Council of the Republic of Austria unanimously adopted a Resolution on the remembrance of the Srebrenica genocide. The resolution acknowledged historical responsibility, paid tribute to the victims and called for strengthening the international culture of remembrance and commemorating July 11 as a European day of remembrance.

The initiative for the adoption of the resolution was launched by the Association of Bosniak Associations in Austria – Consilium Bosniacum, which subsequently, in 2022, also initiated the project to build the 'Srebrenica Flower' memorial.

The memorial was officially unveiled in front of the United Nations headquarters in Vienna, at one of Europe’s most significant international locations.

It was designed as a walk-through pavilion featuring a stylized flower, an internationally recognized symbol of remembrance, peace, and justice, together with eleven abstract female figures representing survivors and victims' families of the genocide.

Through its architectural design, the memorial combines contemporary artistic expression with the Austrian pavilion tradition, permanently embedding the culture of remembrance of Srebrenica in European public space.

The project was supported by many institutions, organizations, and individuals through financial contributions and active participation in the official unveiling ceremony.

Members of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, ministers from Austria and Bosnia and Herzegovina, representatives of international organizations and the diplomatic corps, Mothers of Srebrenica, representatives of religious communities and numerous citizens attended the ceremony.

The event attracted considerable interest from domestic and international media.