The Hague, 11-07-2024 - A wreath was laid today in front of the former Yugoslavia Tribunal on Churchillplein by board members of the Srebrenica Genocide '95 National Monument Foundation. A symbolic act for a memorial, in memory of the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica, that is still missing. Nearly three decades after this tragic event, there is still no tangible tribute in the Netherlands to remember the 8,372 Bosniak men and boys who were murdered on July 11, 1995. 

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

Samir Hajdarević, chairman 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 a loss not only for the relatives living and working in the Netherlands, 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 recent years, the foundation has received much support for the initiative, not only from survivors of the Srebrenica genocide, 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. 

“The genocide of Srebrenica is our shared past. The genocide of Srebrenica is part of the history of this country, of this city. This is precisely why the municipality of The Hague believes it is important to have a dignified memorial to remember the victims of Srebrenica. Together with all organizations and groups involved, we are working to realize it. Hopefully it will be ready next year.'' Saskia Bruines (Alderman for Finance, Culture and Economic Development in The Hague) during the National Commemoration Srebrenica Genocide 1995 in The Hague July 11, 2024. 

Call to Action: The Foundation National Monument Srebrenica Genocide '95 makes an urgent appeal to the State to take the necessary steps to establish the memorial in The Hague, the international city of peace and justice. 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.