Remembering Srebrenica: Bosnia Marks Anniversary Of 1995 Genocide
Thousands of people took part in events on July 11 in Bosnia-Herzegovina to mark the 29th anniversary of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre -- Europe's only acknowledged genocide since World War II. More than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were killed by Bosnian Serb forces in the closing months of Bosnia's 1992-95 war.
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Nearly 5,000 people braved sweltering temperatures to take part in an annual three-day-long peace march from Nezuk to Srebrenica to honor over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys killed by Bosnian Serb forces in 1995.
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The annual Mars Mira (Peace March) attracts thousands of participants, including survivors, families of victims, activists, and supporters from around the world. It serves as a powerful act of remembrance and solidarity, culminating on July 11 with commemorations at the Potocari Memorial and Cemetery.
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The march, approximately 100 kilometers from Nezuk to the Srebrenica-Potocari Memorial and Cemetery, retraces part of the route known as the "Death March."
Upwards of 10,000 Bosnian men and boys fled Srebrenica in a desperate attempt to escape the advancing Bosnian Serb forces in the closing months of Bosnia's 1992-95 civil war. A mere 3,000 survived.
Upwards of 10,000 Bosnian men and boys fled Srebrenica in a desperate attempt to escape the advancing Bosnian Serb forces in the closing months of Bosnia's 1992-95 civil war. A mere 3,000 survived.
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People line the streets in Sarajevo on July 9 to honor the recently identified remains of 14 victims of the massacre who are making one final trip before being interred at the Potacari Memorial Center.
More than 6,750 of the estimated 8,300 victims have been laid to rest at Potacari.
More than 6,750 of the estimated 8,300 victims have been laid to rest at Potacari.
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A woman embraces the hearse carrying the remains as it makes its journey.
The Srebrenica killings were the only episode of the war, in which some 100,000 people died, to be legally defined as genocide by two United Nations courts.
The Srebrenica killings were the only episode of the war, in which some 100,000 people died, to be legally defined as genocide by two United Nations courts.
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Bosnian men pray near the remains being transported to Potocari.
The United Nations General Assembly officially marks July 11 as an International Day of Reflection and Commemoration in honor of those killed in the Srebrenica genocide.
The United Nations General Assembly officially marks July 11 as an International Day of Reflection and Commemoration in honor of those killed in the Srebrenica genocide.
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One of the newly identified victims is Beriz Mujic, who was only 17 at the time. He was buried during the July 11 ceremony. His relatives expressed relief he can no longer be considered among the missing.
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A relative of Mujic looks over the gravesite.
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Commemorations include speeches by survivors, dignitaries, and international representatives. The event also involves laying flowers, lighting candles, and moments of silence to honor the victims.
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The most important event during the commemorations is the burial of newly identified remains of the genocide victims, providing closure for families.
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Prayers are offered during the memorial service on July 11.
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Men prepare the graves.
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A woman walks among the graves in Potocari following the ceremony.
