Windsor 26 poziv

Dear Daniela

 

On behalf of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian community in Canada, I have the great honour and pleasure to invite you to the Central Canadian Commemoration on the occasion of the 31th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide Windsor July 11 at noonin front of the monument to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide. 

Jackson Park, Windsor

125 Tecumseh Rd. E Windsor, Ont

Please let us know as soon as possible if you will be attending.

 

Sincerely, 

 

On behalf of the Bosnian community in Canada

Professor dr. Emir Ramic

Chairman of the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada

 

On July 11th, the Bosnian community in Canada solemnly commemorates the Srebrenica Genocide, perpetrated by Bosnian Serb forces in July 1995 within the "United Nations protected area" of Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this tragic event, the most severe genocide on European soil since the Holocaust. 

 

Canada has consistently demonstrated its friendship and alliance with Bosnia and Herzegovina and its people. This is reflected in the significant Bosnian diaspora residing in Canada, many of whom are survivors of the Srebrenica Genocide. Further, Canada has taken commendable steps to recognize the Srebrenica Genocide and to lead efforts in preserving the memory of its victims, both domestically and internationally. 

 

Canada reflects on the genocide of more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys, as well as the forcible expulsion and displacement of over 20,000 women and children by Bosnian Serb forces in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in July 1995. As we mark this sombre occasion, we welcome the official recognition of this day as Srebrenica Genocide Remembrance Day in Canada.

 

The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice have ruled that the crimes committed in Srebrenica constitute an act of genocide. In 2024, the UN General Assembly designated July 11 as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica. This day is dedicated to honoring the victims and raising awareness about the genocide to prevent denial and distortion of historical facts.

 

On July 11th, we honor the memory of the victims of the Srebrenica Genocide and acknowledging the profound emotional scars carried by survivors and their loved ones as they continue to heal from this tragic event. Despite these challenges, they exhibit extraordinary courage and resilience, which is deeply inspiring.

 

In 2015, the House of Commons unanimously passed a historic motion to recognize April as Genocide Remembrance, Condemnation, and Prevention Month, acknowledging several genocides, including the Srebrenica Genocide.

 

In 2010, the House of Commons unanimously passed motion M-416, which recognized the genocide in Srebrenica and established Srebrenica Genocide Remembrance Day in Canada.

 

A memorial dedicated to the genocide victims has been erected in Jackson Park, Windsor, Ontario. Additionally, a permanent exhibit on the Srebrenica Genocide has been established at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and educational institutions across Canada, including schools and colleges, are incorporating studies on the Srebrenica Genocide into their curricula.

 

In 2019, Brian Masse, MP, tabled Petition e-1837, urging the Canadian government to enact legislation prohibiting the denial of the Srebrenica Genocide in Canada.

 

As we mark this sombre occasion, we welcome the official recognition of this day as the first International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica, following a resolution approved by the UN General Assembly on May 23, 2024.

 

As a co-sponsor of the UN resolution, Canada remembers the victims of the Srebrenica Genocide and offers its condolences to all who lost family members or friends. We stand with the victims and survivors’ families in their ongoing fight for truth and justice.