The program “The World Remembers Srebrenica - Lessons from Genocide in Europe” was held on June 24th at the Haus der Begegnung (HdB) – House of Encounter in the German city of Ulm. The program was organized by the Directorate for Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of the Riyasat of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina in cooperation with the Majlis Baden-Württemberg in Germany. The program included lectures by distinguished guests, a performance by a youth choir, and an exhibition titled "Genocide in Srebrenica: 11 Lessons for the Future."
During the lectures, Dr. Bilal Hodžić, President of the Majlis Baden-Wurttemberg, emphasized that the Genocide in Srebrenica was not just an attack on one ethnic group, but an attack on all of humanity. He stated that it is our duty and responsibility to never forget the lessons of this crime. He mentioned that education and raising awareness are crucial for sensitizing future generations about human rights and tolerance. Muhamed Jugo, a representative of the Riyasat of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, spoke about the role of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina in preserving the culture of remembrance and memory of the victims and promoting reconciliation. Dr. Jasmin Medić, a research associate for Modern History at the University of Sarajevo – Institute for History, stressed in his presentation that the events in Srebrenica should not be viewed outside the context of the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as Srebrenica was the culmination of this gravest form of crime against humanity.
Amer Smajić, as a Genocide witness and special guest, spoke about losing his father, grandfather, and numerous relatives in the Genocide. He found refuge in Germany following these events. His emotional account of his experiences during the war and his integration into a new society left a strong impression on all present. The performance by the choir of Elly Heuss-Realschule, which presented the well-known and poignant composition "Srebrenica Inferno," particularly captivated the audience. The forum was moderated by Dr. Omer Šehić.
The House of Encounter in Ulm, Haus der Begegnung, was a church until the end of World War II. After various uses, it received its current name in 1984 and has since been used as a venue for meetings, dialogue, and various cultural and artistic events.
These events, part of the project The World Remembers Srebrenica (remember.ba) supported by the Federal Ministry for Displaced Persons and Refugees, hold special significance in the context of the recent Resolution on Srebrenica adopted by the United Nations, sponsored by Germany. The adoption of the resolution represents an important step towards international recognition of the genocide and support for the victims.
