Naveed Ahmad Khan
Islamabad: The Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Pakistan commemorated the 31st Anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide with a solemn ceremony and the opening of the exhibition, “The Lives Behind the Fields of Death,” presented by the Srebrenica Memorial Center at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Islamabad.
The event was attended by Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik as the Chief Guest. Also present were the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, H.E. Atadjan Movlamov, members of the diplomatic community, media representatives, civil society members, and distinguished guests.
Welcoming the participants, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Pakistan, H.E. Emin Cohodarević, said that relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Pakistan have always been cordial and friendly, adding that both countries are now making concerted efforts to transform these ties into meaningful economic cooperation.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Cohodarević said, “We are pleased that you have joined us in commemorating the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica, observed on 11 July.”
He noted that this year marks the 31st anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, during which more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were systematically murdered in what the United Nations has described as the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War. He informed the audience that ten more victims, whose remains were recently recovered from mass graves, forests, and meadows, would be laid to rest at the Potočari Memorial Center, bringing the total number of identified victims buried there to 6,782.
The ambassador said the genocide was the culmination of years of persecution, ethnic cleansing, concentration camps, mass killings, and systematic violence against Bosniaks that began in 1992. He emphasized that despite attempts by perpetrators to conceal their crimes by relocating victims’ remains to secondary and tertiary mass graves, international investigations and judicial verdicts had established the truth beyond doubt.
He stressed that the genocide in Srebrenica has been firmly documented and legally recognized through the judgments of international and domestic courts, adding that denying genocide cannot erase historical facts. “Our path is truth and justice, based on facts and court rulings,” he said, urging future generations to continue researching, documenting, and remembering the victims not for revenge, but for justice and human dignity.
Reflecting on global conflicts, Ambassador Cohodarević warned that the promise of “Never Again” has repeatedly been challenged, citing genocides in Rwanda and Srebrenica and expressing concern over the continuing suffering of civilians in conflict zones around the world. He called on the international community to strengthen the culture of peace, uphold international justice, reject hatred and discrimination, and invest in education to prevent future genocides.
Expressing gratitude to Pakistan, the ambassador recalled the country’s unwavering support during Bosnia and Herzegovina’s most difficult days. He thanked Pakistan for its humanitarian assistance, diplomatic backing at the United Nations, support for Bosnian refugees, the contribution of the Pakistani Battalion during the war, post-war reconstruction assistance, and its continued friendship. He also appreciated Pakistan’s significant role in the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution establishing the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the Srebrenica Genocide in May 2024, describing it as “a moral, historical and civilizational act” of global significance.
In his address, Chief Guest Barrister Aqeel Malik said the commemoration serves as a solemn reminder of the immense human cost of hatred and intolerance. He expressed solidarity with the survivors and families of the victims and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of human dignity.
Barrister Aqeel Malik said the lessons of Srebrenica should strengthen the international community’s resolve to promote peace, mutual respect, coexistence, and the prevention of future atrocities. He also inaugurated the exhibition, “The Lives Behind the Fields of Death,” which portrays the personal stories of victims and survivors, preserving the memory of one of the darkest chapters in modern history.
The ceremony concluded with a call for unity against hatred, discrimination, and genocide denial, as participants renewed their commitment to peace, justice, and ensuring that such tragedies are never repeated.
