The Hague, 08-07-2024 - It is with deep concern and sadness that the National Monument Srebrenica Genocide '95 Foundation announces that there is still no memorial in the Netherlands in memory of the victims of the Srebrenica genocide. Almost three decades after this tragic event, there is still no tangible tribute to commemorate the 8372 Bosniak men and boys who were murdered. 

The Srebrenica genocide, which took place in July 1995, remains one of the darkest pages in modern European history. The lack of a memorial in the Netherlands, a country that was directly involved in this event, is a painful loss. A national memorial would serve as a symbol of recognition, mourning, and collective memory. It would provide a place for memorial reflection, and a warning to future generations about the dangers of hatred and intolerance. 

Samir Hajdarević, president of the Srebrenica Genocide '95 National Monument Foundation, said, “It is unacceptable that there is still no memorial to honor the victims of the Srebrenica genocide. This is not only a loss for the relatives, but for all Dutch people. It is an urgent moral and historical imperative to remember these victims and continue to tell their stories.” 

In recent years, the foundation has worked closely with the municipality of The Hague to find a suitable location and make preparations. Although there was much willingness and good cooperation, the eventual establishment of the memorial remains outstanding. The foundation is now also calling on the central government to translate their support for the initiative into concrete action. In addition to this cooperation, the foundation has received a lot of support for the initiative in recent years, not only from survivors of the Srebrenica genocide who live and work in the Netherlands, but also from Dutchbat III, the battalion that was deployed to Srebrenica in 1995, the mayors of Rotterdam and The Hague, as well as the Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs in 2020.  

“After all, Srebrenica is our shared past. But not only that. Srebrenica is also part of the history of this country, of this city. And that is precisely why the municipality of The Hague cares deeply about having a dignified memorial to commemorate the genocide of Srebrenica.'' Anne Mulder (former alderman, deputy mayor of The Hague, and Dutchbat 3 veteran) during the National Commemoration Srebrenica Genocide 1995 in The Hague July 11, 2022. On Thursday, July 11, the 29th National Commemoration Srebrenica Genocide will take place in The Hague. We will also participate and contribute to the program of this important day of remembrance. Prior to the commemoration there will be a Peace March (Mars Mira), where participants will symbolically walk 11 kilometers from Wassenaar to The Hague. This march symbolizes the horrors and the long journey many had to make in 1995. This group will also stop at the former Yugoslavia Tribunal around 1:15 p.m. 

The Srebrenica Genocide '95 National Monument Foundation will lay a wreath on this occasion as a symbolic act for the monument that is still missing. This gesture is intended to emphasize the need for a permanent memorial and pay tribute to the victims of this tragic event. 

Call to Action: The Srebrenica Genocide '95 National Monument Foundation makes an urgent appeal to the government to take the necessary steps to establish the memorial. This memorial is not only a duty to the victims and their relatives, but also a symbol of our common commitment to peace, justice and humanity.