The Hague, 11-07-2024 - Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished attendees, 

 Today we stand here, united in our shared memory and grief, to dedicate a monument in memory of the Srebrenica genocide. We stand here not only to unveil a physical structure, but also to create a lasting memory of one of the darkest chapters of recent history. 

This beginning of my speech is the beginning of the speech we had intended to give today. Today, we stand here, not to unveil a monument, but to speak about its failure to be unveiled. It is a painful reality that still no tangible memorial has been establshed in the Netherlands in memory of the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica. It is already 4 years ago on this day that we announced our intention to strive for a National Monument in The Hague, the international city of peace and justice, in memory of the victims. So I stand here today with a message of concern. 

In recent years, we have worked closely with the municipality of The Hague to find a suitable location and to make the necessary preparations. The cooperation with the municipality of The Hague was very positive and there was a lot of willingness. A location scan was carried out and the results of this are now available. Our research showed that the only appropriate location for this initiative is the square in front of the former Yugoslavia Tribunal. With the most ideal option being an information center in the former Yugoslavia Tribunal building. However, the future of this building is still uncertain, and is currently owned by the State. 

Therefore, we also need the support of the State to embrace this initiative and work with us to realize it. This is the only missing link, and we also call on the State to hear and answer our call for help, hear and answer. This monument would be a lasting national symbol of our collective memory, a reminder of the horrific events and a call to remain vigilant against hatred, intolerance and injustice. It is not only a tribute to the victims, but also a warning for future generations. 

 At the very least, we would have liked to announce today that we would place a temporary monument, a placeholder, would be placed at its intended location. Unfortunately, even that is not currently possible. Therefore, we, on behalf of the Srebrenica Genocide National Monument Foundation, during the Peace March (March Mira) earlier today, symbolically laid a wreath at the Yugoslavia Tribunal as a symbol of the monument yet to come. 

Ladies and gentlemen, although we are not unveiling a monument today, we are unveiling our determination. Our determination to keep the memory of the victims of Srebrenica alive, to continue to fight for justice and truth, and to ensure that their suffering is not forgotten. Let us work together for a society in which a monument to Srebrenica is no longer missing, and in which the lessons of the past help build a better world. Today and always, let us stand for justice, peace and humanity.