Glavni grad Kanade proglasio 11. juli Danom sjećanja na žrtve genocida u Srebrenici

The capital city of Canada has once again declared July 11 as the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Srebrenica Genocide. This annual observance, initiated by the mayor of Ottawa, serves as a solemn tribute to the more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys who were murdered during the genocide in Srebrenica in 1995. The declaration reaffirms Ottawa's commitment to promoting truth, justice, and remembrance culture while condemning the denial of the genocide. According to the Canadian Institute for the Study of Genocide (IGK), this act underscores the city’s ongoing efforts to preserve historical memory and prevent revisionism surrounding the atrocities committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ottawa has consistently marked July 11 as the official Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Srebrenica Genocide each year since its inception. The city's decision reflects both a moral obligation and a political stance against those who attempt to downplay or deny the scale of the tragedy. The commemoration includes ceremonies honoring the victims and reaffirming the importance of remembering history accurately. These events take place in collaboration with the Bosnian-Herzegovinian community and the Canadian Institute for the Study of Genocide, which plays a central role in analyzing crimes against peace, genocide, and other violations of international law.

The recognition of July 11 as a day of remembrance was first established by the Canadian Parliament in 2010 when it unanimously adopted Resolution M-416. This resolution acknowledged the Srebrenica genocide and condemned its denial. Since then, the date has become a national symbol of remembrance and solidarity with the victims and their families. In addition to Ottawa, other levels of government in Canada have supported the culture of remembrance, emphasizing the significance of preserving historical truths about the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This year’s central commemorative event will take place in Windsor on July 11, where the first memorial dedicated to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide in the diaspora will be unveiled. The ceremony aims to honor the victims and reinforce the collective responsibility of ensuring that the memory of the genocide remains intact. The Canadian Institute for the Study of Genocide highlighted that the observance of July 11 is not merely symbolic but also a practical measure against those who seek to rewrite history or obscure the facts of the past.

In a formal proclamation issued by Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, the city declared July 11, 2026, as the Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Srebrenica Genocide. This declaration aligns with the institute’s initiative to designate June 11 to July 11, 2026, as a month of remembrance for the Srebrenica genocide. The move underscores the city’s long-term commitment to maintaining awareness of the genocide and its implications for future generations. It also highlights the importance of preventing the erosion of historical memory through deliberate efforts to distort or revise the narrative of the past.

The Canadian Institute for the Study of Genocide emphasized that the truth about the Srebrenica genocide has been confirmed by international court rulings and does not depend on threats, insults, or propaganda. The organization stressed that the struggle for Bosnia and Herzegovina, for the dignity of the victims, is not solely a political endeavor but one rooted in preserving the truth, justice, and culture of remembrance. Any relativization, silence, or misunderstanding of this struggle creates space for those who deny the crimes and threaten new injustices. The institute reiterated that the fight against revisionism must continue through education, public discourse, and institutional support to ensure that the legacy of the genocide is preserved for future generations.