Statement on behalf of Sweden on the High-Level Commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Genocide in Srebrenica, as delivered by Ambassador Magnus Lennartsson.
Today we express our solidarity with the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica in 1995 and with the survivors and families who grieve for their loved ones.
There is no place for the denial of the horrible crimes committed during the conflicts in the Balkans during the 1990’s, nor for the glorification of individuals who have been found guilty of such crimes.
Attempts to politicize the events in Srebrenica are unacceptable. It is the Swedish Government’s firm view that all acts and statements that diminish or deny the genocide are deeply disturbing and contrary to the fundamental global values.
To bring the perpetrators to justice is an essential component to rebuild trust and foster reconciliation. Efforts to that respect at both national and international levels must continue. We commend the work of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The legacy of the ICTY has shown that those suspected of bearing the greatest responsibility for atrocities committed can be called to account. We cannot overestimate the role that these and other international criminal tribunals have played in the fight against impunity for the most horrendous crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
To achieve results, cooperation with the Mechanism remains of utmost importance. We will continue to support those working hard trying to find truth and to bring justice, including by identifying and locating those who were killed. Sweden will also continue to work closely with those who are making efforts to achieve lasting reconciliation.
Today is also an occasion to look to the future and commit to continue the work for a prosperous future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its people, as well as the whole region.
On the global level we must continue to strengthen the United Nations, which remains the backbone of the international system. Strong support for the United Nations has always been and will continue to be a cornerstone in Sweden’s foreign policy.
We have made efforts to learn from our mistakes. The UN has adopted the principle of Responsibility to Protect. Since 2005, the principle has been invoked and applied several times. The UN peace-keeping mandates are today more distinct and explicit regarding protection of civilians. The UN must have the tools and resources to act if needed.
We must all learn and take action to make sure genocides and other mass atrocity crimes never happen again.