30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SREBRENICA GENOCIDE

In July 1995, a genocide was committed in Srebrenica before the eyes of the world – the darkest moment in recent European history. In just a few days, more than 8,372 predominantly Bosniak men and boys were systematically killed by members of the so-called Bosnian Serb army, while women, children and the elderly were expelled. Among the victims of the genocide were also two individuals of Croatian nationality. Thirty years later, the genocide in Srebrenica remains a lasting wound not only for Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also for the entire region, Europe and the entire civilized world. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) legally classified this crime as genocide, confirming the responsibility not only of individuals but also of the structures that planned and carried it out. In May 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 11 July as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the Genocide in Srebrenica, with the aim of honoring the innocent victims, preserving historical truth and fostering reconciliation. Among the countries that gave strong support and were among the sponsors of this resolution was the Republic of Croatia. The commemorative postage stamp of the Republic of Croatia printed on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide is not only a philatelic symbol but also a dignified sign of remembrance, recognition and human solidarity. This stamp expresses deep respect for the innocent victims, the pain of their families and an unwavering commitment to truth and justice. Srebrenica is not only the name of the city – it is a symbol of sadness, resistance to oblivion and the struggle for dignity. In its name, we emphasize that the truth must not be rewritten, that the crime must not be silenced and that peace must be built on responsibility and compassion. Remembering the genocide in Srebrenica is not a political act, but a moral obligation of every conscientious person, every society and every state that strives for a just future. Thirty years later, the thousands of white gravestones in the Potočari valley do not stand in silence. They speak quietly, but clearly: never forget, never again. That is why this postage stamp travels the world as the voice of those who can no longer speak, as the message of a new generation that has the task of turning memory into responsibility. May this anniversary remind us not only of the tragedy but also of the strength of those who survived, of the dignity of the mothers of Srebrenica and of the need to build societies based on truth, justice and respect for human dignity. In memory. In respect. In the name of humanity. “Srebrenica” Memorial Center