FORUM:
#UpholdLessons of Srebrenica, Preserve
#HistoricalTruth, Protect
#HumanDignity. 2025 will mark the thirtieth anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica. The genocide left deep emotional scars on the survivors, families of victims, and the Bosnian and Herzegovinian society in general, creating enduring obstacles to reconciliation among the country’s different ethnic groups. The Assembly also asked the Secretary-General to establish an outreach programme on the Srebrenica genocide in preparation for the 30th anniversary. It further condemned any denial of the Srebrenica genocide as a historical event and called on Member States to preserve the established facts, including through their educational systems, towards preventing denial and distortion, and any occurrence of genocide in the future.
COMMEMORATIVE EVENT: Co-organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications, the Office of the Special Advisor for the Prevention of Genocide and the Permanent Mission of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations. The 2025 observance of the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica is being held on Tuesday, 8 July 2025 at 11:00 a.m. EDT in the General Assembly Hall, United Nations Headquarters, New York. The observance marks the 30-year anniversary of the 1995 genocide in Srebrenica. The UN Secretary-General remarks will be delivered by the Chef de Cabinet.
STATEMENTS: Read the
statement of the United Nations Secretary-General.
Today marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica – the worst atrocity on European soil since the Second World War.
In July 1995, more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were systematically murdered. Thousands of women, children, and older persons were forcibly displaced, their lives forever shattered. The intention was the elimination of Bosnian Muslims in Srebrenica.
We remember the victims and honour the courage of the survivors – including the Mothers of Srebrenica, whose tireless pursuit of justice ensured that the genocide was recognized in both law and history.
This day is not only a moment of reflection. It is a call to vigilance and action.
At a time when hate speech, denial and division are gaining ground, we must stand firm for truth and justice. We must detect early warning signs and respond before violence takes hold. We must respect international law, defend human rights, uphold the dignity of every individual, and invest in reconciliation and peace.
Let the memory of Srebrenica strengthen our resolve, so that “never again” truly means never again.
António Guterres; United Nations Secretary-General.
Remarks of the United Nations General Assembly president during the high-level commemorative ceremony to mark the 2025 International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.
EXHIBITION: From Words to Violence: Lives Behind the Fields of Death. From 17 June to 18 July 2 025 at the Visitors’ Lobby, UN Headquarters in New York.
The exhibition provides a glimpse into the horrors of the genocide against Bosnian Muslims committed in Srebrenica in July 1995. Through photographs of items from everyday life, the story unravels - of lives lived and lost, and families torn apart. It shows the consequence of hate speech and inaction in the face of hatred.
The exhibit is organized by the Memorial Center Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial and Cemetery for the Victims of 1995 Genocide; and the Permanent Mission of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN and endorsed by the Office of the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide; and the UN Department for Global Communications.
The exhibition is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Please visit
UN Exhibits for visitor instructions.
