Ankara – The Turkish Republic’s Director of Communications made a poignant social media statement today, reflecting on the enduring pain of the Srebrenica Genocide and drawing critical parallels to the current situation in Gaza. This message comes as the world commemorates the 29th anniversary of the Srebrenica tragedy, marked as the greatest human catastrophe in Europe since World War II.
“July 11th is one of the most painful chapters in modern history that has yet to be closed. The agony of the Srebrenica Genocide still grips our hearts even after 29 long years,” the statement read, emphasizing the lasting impact of the massacre where over 8,000 Bosniaks were brutally killed.
The Director of Communications underscored the importance of learning from such tragedies to prevent future atrocities. He highlighted the ongoing crisis in Gaza, noting, “Amidst the relentless genocide unfolding in Gaza, there are valuable lessons for all to learn from Srebrenica, urging us to strive for a liveable world where human dignity is cherished and preserved.”
Reflecting on the horrors that unfolded in Srebrenica, he pointed out the failure of international protection and the devastating consequences of ideological blindness. “In Srebrenica, a horrifying genocide unfolded before the eyes of the entire world in an area designated a ‘safe zone’ by the UN. Ratko Mladić, etched in history as the ‘Butcher of Bosnia,’ like those who perpetuate the genocide in Gaza today, was tragically blinded by ideology and ignored the pleas of reason, common sense, and conscience.”
The statement lamented the recurring nature of such human rights violations, stating, “If humanity had truly learned from the harrowing events in Srebrenica, where over 8,000 people were killed solely because of their identities and beliefs, the genocide in Gaza would not have taken place today.”
The Director also noted recent international efforts to commemorate the Srebrenica Genocide. “Recently, with the support of our nation, the UN General Assembly adopted the Srebrenica Genocide Resolution. This resolution mandates that Srebrenica be taught to younger generations worldwide as a lesson.”
He further acknowledged President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s decree designating July 11 as the “International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the Srebrenica Genocide” in Turkey. “This day aims to share the profound pain and to condemn genocide and crimes against humanity. We hope that this tragic event will deepen humanity’s conscience and awareness and awaken dormant consciences to the genocide unfolding in Gaza before the eyes of the entire world.”
As a somber reminder of the ongoing search for justice and closure, the statement mentioned that the bodies of 14 more victims will be laid to rest at this year’s mass funeral on July 11. The Director of Communications concluded with a prayer: “I pray for Allah’s mercy upon the Bosnian War victims who were massacred throughout brotherly Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly those who endured genocide in Srebrenica, all Bosnian martyrs, and Aliya Izetbegovic, the first President of the Independent Bosnia and Herzegovina, who showed the world that even war has its ethics. May they rest in peace, and may their loved ones find solace.”