A few weeks ago, the United Nations designated the 11th of July as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica1, a dark stain on recent European history where Serbian Nationalist Militia killed more than 8,372 Muslim men and boys.
As we observe this day, FEMYSO stands in solemn remembrance of the horrific events that transpired 29 years ago on European soil. On this day, we acknowledge the memory of the thousands of innocent lives lost and acknowledge the deep scars on the survivors of the Bosnian Muslim community.
The Srebrenica genocide did not occur in a vacuum. It was the culmination of years of dehumanisation and systematic killing of Muslim Bosniaks, nearly 100,000 of whom perished in the years leading up to the genocide. This Day serves as a critical reminder of the atrocities committed and the need for ongoing vigilance against Islamophobia in all its forms.
The current European context is alarming, as we witness the rise of the far-right nurtured by racist and Islamophobic sentiments and a disturbing parallel with the ongoing genocides in Palestine, Sudan, and the Congo. These events emphasise the urgency of addressing the root causes of such violence and preventing history from repeating itself. The dehumanisation of any group is a dangerous precursor to mass violence, and it is our collective responsibility to combat it at every turn.
In our commitment to this cause, FEMYSO recently held its annual consultation meeting in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and visited Srebrenica along with the member organisations in order to deepen our understanding and solidarity. Through these actions, we aim to raise awareness and educate future generations about the consequences of unchecked Islamophobia.
We call on all individuals and institutions to join #WeRemember95 in a collective effort to decolonise history and ensure that the teaching of genocide is accurate and comprehensive.
Remembering the Srebrenica genocide is not just about honouring those who were brutally killed; it is about recognising the signs of dehumanisation and taking decisive action to prevent such atrocities from occurring again.
References
1 UN establishes International Day of reflection for Srebrenica genocide | UN News