President Michael D. Higgins marks 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide
Date: Fri 11th Jul, 2025 | 15:21
Today marks the 30th anniversary of the start of the Srebrenica Genocide, when over 8,000 Bosniak people, the vast majority civilian men and boys, were murdered simply due to their identity.
In remembrance of those killed, President Michael D. Higgins has written to Dr Denis Bećirović, the Bosniak Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and sent a message to the Bosnian and Herzegovinian community in Ireland.
A copy of the President’s message to the community in Ireland is below.
Message from President Michael D. Higgins to the Bosnian and Herzegovinian community in Ireland,
on the 30th Anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide
“Mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, on the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide, may I offer my deepest sympathies and offer solidarity to all those who carry the memory of that profound human tragedy.
On 11 July, it is the duty of all of us to remember the more than 8,000 men and boys, massacred simply because of their Bosniak identity, as well as their loved ones who continue to bear the burden of the grief of this tragedy.
Commemorating the genocide is a testament not only to the appalling suffering of the victims, the egregious nature of the genocidal acts committed, but is a profound act of ethical memory on the part of those who remember them. It is both moving and appropriate that 30 years on, we continue to come together to honour those who were lost.
The dedication of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian community in Ireland, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and across the world, to keep the memory of the victims alive is truly commendable. In doing so, the community continues to remind and educate the world on the impact of hatred and division, and of the necessity of putting into practice the principles of justice and reconciliation.
In Ireland, we stand today with our Bosnian-Irish community, many of whom found refuge here during the darkest days of war, as they honour their loved ones. In May 2024, Ireland was proud to be a sponsor of the UN General Assembly resolution, which designated 11 July as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.
On Sunday 29 June 2025, a solemn commemoration took place in Dublin bringing together survivors of the genocide, members of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian community in Ireland, and many others who gathered in solidarity. The event featured powerful testimonies from survivors now living in Ireland that reminded all of us of the enduring pain of loss, but also the strength and resilience of those who carry the memory forward.
Later this year, Ireland will open a resident embassy in Sarajevo. This is a recognition not only of the close connection between our countries, but also of Ireland's support to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina as they continue on their journey towards reconciliation. We will also continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina's path towards the European Union, a community which is founded on the values of equality and respect for human rights.
Memory is a sacred act. In remembering the unimaginable suffering of the Srebrenica Genocide, we must affirm our collective responsibility to challenge the forces of prejudice and hatred, and to ensure that such atrocities must never be allowed to happen again.
May this day of remembrance strengthen our shared resolve by reaffirming our commitment to build a more just, compassionate and peaceful world, a brighter future that is based on the principles of equality, diversity and non-violence.
May I express my sentiments of goodwill and solidarity to the Bosnian and Herzegovinian Community in Ireland, and to all those who gather in commemoration and remembrance of the victims of the Srebrenica genocide.
Beir gach beannacht agus guidhim siochán dúinn uilig d’on todhchaí.”