Experience of the IRGC Campaigning for the Recognition of Bosnian Genocide
Institute for the Research of Genocide Canada
Published: November 13, 2010
EXPERIENCE OF THE INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH OF GENOCIDE CANADA {IRGC} IN CAMPAIGNING FOR THE ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION ON GENOCIDE IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA {BH} IN THE CANADIAN PARLIAMENT
Genocide in BH is a defeat all the achievements of human civilization. IRGC speaks on behalf of victims, reminiscent of their suffering and tears and suppressed fear of oblivion Bosniaks should not allow the victims to be thwarted by abandoning the legal domain in solving problems. Law has to be the basis of Bosniak political action. Giving up on law opens unimagined dangers for the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina and for Bosniaks.
Genocide in Bosnia is the criminal component of the plan, strategy and clear intent to murder, exterminate, rape, expel, and forever do away with the Bosniak people.
IGRC participated in the Canadian Bosniak campaign for adoption of the Genocide in Srebrenica resolution, by the Canadian Parliament, because of its strong sense of responsibility to create a permanent warning, for our fellow Canadians, against the worst type of crime which, throughout history, has caused the greatest loss to humanity. With the ultimate goal of ridding humanity of genocides.
In this campaign the IRGS communicated to the Canadian public certain facts about the aggression against the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Primarily that this was an armed aggression, or crime against peace and safety of humanity. An international armed conflict.
The Bosniak population of the occupied territory of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its besieged cities, were a victim of the worst crime known to humanity – genocide.
The aggression against the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the genocide against the Bosniaks were the culmination of the evil collaboration of the Republic of Serbia and Montenegro, and the Republic of Croatia, their leaders and institutions, along with the fifth column, and mercenaries. The intent of this criminal act was completion of the Serbian and Croatian expansionist aspirations at the expense of the territory of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Part of the project was the infamos ‘final solution’ of the Muslim problem – extermination of Bosniaks or debasement of this ethnic group to an insignificant group. Eager collaborators and executors of this crime were fifth column groups from Bosnia and Herzegovina (“Croatian Coalition of Herceg-Bosna”, “Republika Srpska”, “Autonomos Region of Western Bosnia”) and the Croatian Republic (“Republic of Srpska Krajina”), The aggression and the genocide were planned (ideologically, politically, militariliy, economically, psychologically, etc.) with a clear objective, ordered by political and military leaders, and executed in premeditated, systematic and co-ordinated manner. The aggressing states, ideological instigators, planners, commanders, executors and collaborators, and their crimes, and motives behind those crimes are well-known.
The extermination of Bosniaks, a group which falls under the definition of a protected group (national and religious) under the international humanitarian law, was motivated by a genocidal criminal intent and a genocidal plan (in addition, there are explicit orders for execution of genocide, including creation of concentration camps). The aggression against the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with the weapons embargo, politics of ignoring the expansionist aspirations of the fascistic and genocidal project of the “Greater Serbia” by the United Nations, Europe, and the international community were all the integral part of Milosevic-led Serbian state politics. The outcome was the occupation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, killing of Bosniaks, expulsion and extermination through concentration camps, raping, pillaging, and stealing of property and territory, with the intent of wiping out the cultural and civil Bosniak history.
Bosnia and Herzegovina and its United Nations designated “safe haven” of Srebrenica are the symbol of killing and suffering of a people because of their nationality, ethnicity, and religious beliefs, initiated by expansionist aspirations of its Serbian neighbours. The fight of the Bosniaks against their extermination is another symbol. A symbol of anti-fascistic resistance, and the defence against the worst known evil – the crime of genocide. This resistance at the end of the 20th century, when the Europe did little to answer the dying shrieks for help from the countless human beings, and while the world, especially the governments of the western nations, took up a neutral, indifferent, passive and hypocritical stand towards the victims, and was complicit in an attempt at their biological extermination by taking away their legal right at defence.
IRGC joins the survivors of the genocide in speaking out against the genocide. Our message to Canadians is motivated by our desire to save the humanity, the civilization, to preserve the human values, human rights and human lives of the smallest, the weakest, the helpless.
It is only the scientific knowledge obtained through the research that can serve as a permanent basis for the improvement of our abilities to detect, identify, prevent, and punish the crime of genocide, in which the researchers of holocaust, genocide, and other forms of crimes against humanity and international law play historical role and bear the responsibility. It is the duty of these researchers, as Nobel Prize winner Ellie Wiesel noted, to talk in the name of these victims, to remind the world of their suffering and tears and suppress the fear of oblivion. The researchers must have professional responsibility and sufficient moral courage to research and share with public the scientific truths about genocide.
IRGC hopes to awaken the current and future generation’s collective consciousness on the need to join all the democratic, progressive, and antifascist forces to combat the genocide, and other forms of crimes against humanity and international law, wherever and whenever these occur. The survivors and the investigators have an especially important and prominent role to play in this cause.
IRGC wants also to remind the Canadian and international public that the facts about the genocide committed against Bosniaks, including rulings of the International Court of Justice for Former Yugoslavia, are still being denied, distorted, disparaged, and otherwise marginalized.
In order to protect victims from barbaric crimes and in order to punish crimes and criminals, criminal acts and criminals need to be treated primarily within the domain of Law, i.e. in the domain of judicial truth and judicial method. The victim must not be cheated by allowing the legal aspect of efforts to address the problem, to be abandoned, sabotaged or watered down in its implementation, by allowing the problem to be redirected, reduced or marginalized to moral lectures, debates and condemnations; religious, academic and journalistic quibbling; delivery of humanitarian assistance to the victim in the form of food, clothing, medicine, etc. – all in the form of a surrogate, i.e. an extremely limited, painfully insufficient exercise of rights provided to the victim under the international legal order. By strategically redirecting the resolution of its problems - the perpetration of internationally defined and documented crimes against it – from the domain of Law to mere moralizing, public debates, humanitarian campaigns, etc., this victim of aggression, war crimes and genocide had been cynically deceived. All along, unsanctioned by the local (constitutional) and international legal order, processes carrying all the characteristics of aggression and uninterrupted genocide against Bosniaks and bringing a OUN member state to final and irreversible destruction, had continued - and are, in fact, still ongoing.
IRGC stands for saying publicly, and full freedom of the victims to tell the truth about the aggression on Bosnia and Herzegovina and the genocide against Bosnians.
IRGC believes that all political, scientific-research and other institutions need to present all the information about war crimes with their disposal.
IRGC finds that the concealment of war crimes, is also a crime.
IRGC are striving to bring all war criminals to court of justice, national or international.
IRGC will participate in each project under conditions of respect for truth and justice on the aggression on B&H and genocide against Bosniaks, namely:
- Recognition of the genocide on the basis of the International Court of Justice, International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, the European Court of Human Rights and national courts, which includes a legal ban on genocide denial, like the laws banning denial of the Holocaust.
- Bringing all War Crimes Tribunal for former Yugoslavia in The Hague, in particular Ratko Mladic.
- Compensation for mental pain and caused material damage to the victims of genocide, which the Bosniaks suffered across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- IRCG would like to thank the Congress of North American Bosniaks, many academics and intellectuals, friends of truth and justice on their important contribution to the success of Canadian Bosniaks - Adoption of Resolution M - 416 on genocide in BH in the Canadian Parliament.
Professor Emir Ramic
Institute for Research of Genocide Canada {IRGC}
STATEMENTS OF PROMINENT INTELLECTUALS AND ACADEMICS ON ADOPTION OF THE SREBRENICA GENOCIDE RESOLUTION IN CANADIAN PARLIAMENT
With this declaration, Canada acknowledges the importance of this event in helping to bring closure for the Bosnian people through truth and justice. The institutionalization of Srebrenica Remembrance Day every July 11 will help to inform future generations and assist all of us to work towards peaceful coexistence.” After the fall of Srebrenica on July 11th 1995, Bosnian Serb forces, commanded by General Ratko Mladic (an indicted war criminal), and paramilitary units rapidly executed more than 8,000 Bosniak (Muslim) men, boys, and elderly, who had sought safety in the area. Moreover, approximately 30,000 people were forcibly deported in an UN-assisted ethnic cleansing. The European Parliament resolution referred to the Srebrenica Massacre as “the biggest war crime in Europe since the end of WWII.”
This atrocity has been declared an act of genocide by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia. Both the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate in 2005 have passed resolutions on the Srebrenica Genocide and all the atrocities that occurred during the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina between 1992 and 1995. The European parliament passed its resolution on January 15, 2022 institutionalizing July 11 as the day of Remembrance for the Srebrenica Genocide. This past March the Serbian parliament passed a resolution recognizing the 1995 massacre in Srebrenica. With this motion, the House of Commons joins Canada with many other countries in doing something that should have been done long ago,” Hon. Brian Masse, Member of Canadian Parliament, Sponsor of the Srebrenica Genocide Resolution {M-416}
I want to thank Bosniak – Canadian Community for hard work. It was your persistence that made this resolution possible. I am thankful that all the party’s were willing to join us in supporting the motion officially making July 11 Srebrenica Remembrance Day in Canada . It is a tremendous privilege to work on the recognition of the Srebrenica Genocide by the Canadian government and parliament with Canadian Bosniaks. And also enjoyable! Thank you for all the work you do on behalf of other Canadians of every background. Hon. Rob Oliphant, Member of Canadian Parliament
In Europe, humanity witnessed a series of the most horrific genocides: the Armenian genocide; the Holodomor, the famine genocide of Ukrainians; and the greatest evil amongst all evils, the Holocaust. In horror, sixty-five years ago, Europe pledged, the world pledged, ‘Never Again.’ Fifteen years ago, it happened again, in Europe, in Srebrenica. As we mark this fifteenth anniversary, we do so in shame. When will our pledge of ‘Never Again’ mean ‘Never Again. Hon. Borys Wrzesnewskyj, Member of Canadian Parliament
On behalf of my clients, the Mothers of Srebrenica and Podrinja, I want to heartily congratulate the Bosniak-Canadian Community for all the outstanding work they performed in getting this Srebrenica-Is-Genocide Resolution adopted by the Canadian Parliament. We need similar Resolutions to be adopted by every Parliament in the world. Professor Francis A. Boyle, Attorney for the Mothers of Srebrenica and Podrinja
The passage of Motion M-146 proclaiming July 11 Srebrenica Remembrance Day in Canada is a profoundly meaningful achievement. Motion M-146 recognizes the genocide that occurred at Srebrenica in July 1995 and affirms, in this respect, the findings of two international courts of law: The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice. With passage of Motion M-146 we bear witness to the suffering of the Bosnian Muslims (Bosniaks) at Srebrenica as well as those Bosniaks who endured war crimes throughout Bosnia. In solemn memory of the Bosniak victims, the European Union should now observe the most stringent of conditions for Serbia’s entry to the European Union, including the arrest and prosecution of Ratko Mladic; respect for the sovereign borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a multicultural society, and support for the reunification of Bosnia through constitutional reforms and other political processes. Similarly, the international diplomatic community should condemn Republika Srpska Prime Minister Milorad Dodik for his denials of the genocide at Srebrenica and for his secessionist rhetoric. Our thanks to Brian Masse, Member of Parliament Windsor West, and Professor Emir Ramic, President of the Governing Board, Institute for the Research of Genocide Canada, for their indispensable role in shepherding this historic Motion M-146 through the Parliamentary process. The establishment of July 11 as Srebrenica Remembrance Day in Canada renews our hope in the ongoing struggle for justice in Bosnia. David Pettigrew, PhD, Professor of Philosophy, Southern CT State University, USA.
The Canadian House of Commons resolution on Srebrenica is a belated recognition of the worst mass-murder in Europe since the Second World War. It is a welcome rebuke to all the revisionists that have attempted to deny or minimize its monstrous scale and gravity. The facts of this genocide are not in question. We have to ask then why it took so many years and so much effort to gain recognition of such a notorious historical event. Payam Akhavan, Professor of International Law, McGill University, Former Legal Advisor to the ICTY-OTP
The fact of the Srebrenica genocide has been legally established by two different international courts. I hope the adoption of the resolution on the genocide by the Canadian parliament will make it more difficult for genocide deniers to ignore this fact. Professor dr. Marko Hoare
Congratulations to everyone involved in passing a resolution in the Canadian parliament that recognizes the suffering of the people of Srebrenica. While you savor this victory please remember that genocide occurred not only in Srebrenica but throughout Bosnia-Herzegovina between 1992-1995. This needs to be recognized. Moreover, the Government of Canada played a shameful role during this period in indirectly assisting in the perpetuation of this genocide – a fact that has yet to be acknowledged by Canada. Thus, more work remains to be done. I hope the friends and supporters of Bosnia can continue their valiant efforts in defense of historical truth and justice. Professor Dr. Nader Hashemi
Genocide Watch commends the Canadian Parliament for its adoption of the resolution recognizing the massacres at Srebrenica and elsewhere in Bosnia as genocide. These crimes must not go unpunished or ever be forgotten. Genocide Watch strongly urges the Republic of Serbia to arrest and hand over the perpetrator of the Srebrenica genocide, General Radko Mladic to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in the Hague. Professor Dr. Gregory Stanton, President, Genocide Watch
It is with sincere pleasure that I take this opportunity to congratulate all who have contributed in any way at all, efforts along the pathways and avenues that brought about the passing of Motion M-416 and the proclamation of a Srebrenica Remembrance Day in the Canadian Parliament, recognising the genocide perpetrated. Indeed this marks one more achievement for (particularly, though not exclusively) Bosniaks who chose to make Canada their new home. A country offering peaceful co-existence for all its citizens. Sincere, heartfelt thanks and gratitude must be extended to Mr Brian Masse, who gave of his time and vocationally focused support, in order for this milestone to become a reality. In spite of – and perhaps because of the many challenges he faced in this respect, Brian Masse did not waver nor abandon the effort – conveying many positive messages to the Boanian global diaspora. This major step in the foothills of an enormous mountain which the Institute for the Research of Genocide, Canada will necessarily climb during their extensive quest for applied JUSTICE, is truly an achievement. Research into all aspects of ‘genocide’ is something which aims to contribute to its eventual eradication and therefore greatly important. Let us collectively aspire to continue to collaborate for everything that is good and positive for all people, whomsoever and wherever they may be – while remaining firmly in opposition to genocide and all other injustices. Let us remember that: .”Evil happens because good men do nothing” - Sir Winston Churchil, Professor Dr.Safia Soliman
By passing a resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica, Canada is not only admitting that genocide occurred on the Bosniak people in Srebrenica but also reminding the world that the victims of the Srebrenica need to be collectively included into the memory of communities, peoples and civilizations. This day of remembrance is not only designed to pay respect to the victims of an intentional mass execution but also to shed light on the suffering of survivors. Adopting the resolution on genocide in the Canadian Parliament gives hope to future generations to understand the importance of preserving and promoting universal importance of man and civilization; this is the only way new generations can prevent evil from happening again. This is why the resolution is not just be a remembrance day for victims of genocide. This resolution must be accepted in the Canadian public as prevention against those who still negate genocide in Srebrenica which was proclaimed by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice. Florence Hartman, French journalist, author and former spokesperson for Carla Del Ponte, The head Judge in the International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia
Many times by now it has been proven that truth and the battle for truth go hand in hand. For truth people must fight and in our case- the genocide on the Bosniaks- must be continuously proven. The international media is aware of the statements put out from the Bosniak side about the genocide that happened, but that does seem to make a difference. Since I was part of a team in the EU that worked on the Srebrenica resolution, I know how much effort goes into passing this type of a resolution. All those who helped in one way or another are heroes. These types of resolutions make our job at the ICTY in Den Haag easier. Amir Ahmic, ICTY
The decision of the Canadian parliament to adopt a Srebrenica resolution shows us that fighting for the institution of cultural remembrance, like the Jewish community with their powerful lobby twenty years after the end of the Second World War with a goal to build a multidiscipline memory of the holocaust is necessary. In front of our generation are the following duties: to establish a genocide museum in Sarajevo so all victims of genocide across Bosnia and Herzegovina are acknowledged through education and cultural programs and commemorative and symbolic means. Furthermore, victims need to be protected by law from discrimination and physical harm. The resolution passed in Canada has convinced us that we are on the road to positive change. Mr. Fatmir Alispahic, Author
My heartfelt congratulations to you and your colleagues for successfully advocating Motion M-416 and the proclamation of Srebrenica Remembrance Day by the Canadian Parliament. This is another step in acknowledging the Srebrenica genocide and other war crimes committed in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the 1992-95 aggression. While nothing will bring the victims back to life or compensate for the atrocities committed against so many men, women and children, in recognising the victims of the genocide and other war crimes and condemning the perpetrators, Canada’s stand constitutes an important moment in the prevention of similar acts in the future. It also helps redress the continuing shame of Canadians who, acting in their government’s name, aided and abetted the evil being committed and who continue to deny the evil that was done. Given that so much of the world chose to look the other way during the aggression, it is to be hoped that Motion M-416 will encourage other nations to follow Canada’s lead and embrace July 11 as international Srebrenica Remembrance Day. Professor Dr. Ron Adams, La Trobe University, Australia
The resolution regarding the genocide in Srebrenica that was adopted by the Canadian parliament is vastly important in bringing dignity back to humanity in today’s world. Also it is an important political act that demonstrates a common goal to prevent future massacres. Adoption of this resolution holds specific worth as well as meaning that signifies legitimacy in the Canadian parliament. I am aware of all the positive factors and for that reason I dearly thank the parliament of Canada for their kind act of humanity. I assume that the resolution is very important especially today for two reasons. First, the international community allowed genocide to occur in Srebrenica and even today the international community has not made up for the damage it has caused. Two, we have witnessed that today many places in the world- including the western countries- are empowering extremism and right wing political parties that have lead to many intercultural conflicts. With that in mind, we see this resolution as a light on the horizon that is overshadowing the bad. Prof. Dr. Esad Durakovic, Member of the Academy of Sciences of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosniaks are a group who survived genocide. They seek freedom and equality like all other people, and this is an authentic expression of contemporary life. All communities that people organize themselves into are according to their interests which can be seen as a basis for equality in today’s world. The genocide in 1995 in which thousands of Bosniak civilians were killed in the eastern region, Srebrenica represents the biggest crime in Europe since World War II. The genocide on the Bosniaks was planned and executed by the army and the police from Republika Srpska, at that time led by Radovan Karadzic and a number of military leaders from Serbia, including Slobodan Milosevic. The main individual responsible for the genocide was Ratko Mladic unfortunately he is still walking freely around Serbia. The atrocities committed by the Serbian criminals signify the shame committed on a nation. That is the world we live in today. The hope from the Bosniak community relies on the understanding from large nations and their humane support. In that context, adopting the resolution M-416 regarding the genocide in Srebrenica from the side of the Canadian parliament represents strong and meaningful support to Bosnia and Herzegovina, its citizens, all its peoples but especially Bosniaks because equality and justice were established. Bosniaks thank all their friends in Canada, especially those who worked hard to pass this important resolution. That being said, we appreciate the friendship between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina because it signifies our unity and a wonderful future. In the name of “BZK Preporod”, I kindly thank the Canadian government on their valued support for the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina. After all Bosnia and Herzegovina is now able to stand equally on the world stage. Also I want to thank to all the true fighters on human rights in Canada who have successfully run this very important action. Professor Dr. Senadin Lavic, Director of the Bosniak Cultural Association “Preporod”
The memory of the genocide against the Bosniak population in the region of Srebrenica in July 1995 is getting more and more planetary attendance. Not in terms of content, such as discovering details of this terrible crime, but primarily in the form. At least in the symbolic form of verbal condemnation of the atrocities by the parliaments of democracies around the world. In this series of condemnation the express of our respect deserves the Parliament of the Kingdom of Canada which, after long and difficult intellectual struggle of Bosniaks who live in Canada, unanimously adopted the resolution condemning the Srebrenica genocide, and expressed the opinion that the 11th July should be a memorial day to mark the Day of commemoration on Srebrenica.It should be recalled that the victory of the Bosniaks Congress of North America followed the true relationship and support of the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada under the initiative of Bosniak intellectuals who live in this country to condemn this gruesome crime committed on the Europe soil after Second World War. In this humane mission substantial activity was shown by the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada, whose leaders deserve our special gratitude and admiration. These resolutions serve to remind us that this terrible crime should never, ever be forgotten and that the perpetrators of crimes must not go unpunished. Dr. Suad Arnautovic, Associated professor on Faculty of Political Science University of Sarajevo, Member of Central Election Commission of Bosnia and Herzegovina
I believe that the adoption of the resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica in the Parliament of Canada is an extremely important aspect of the arduous process of determining the actual circumstances and purpose of the conflict caused by the disintegration of Yugoslavia. Canada as one of the most powerful members of the international community in this way contributes to the stabilization of relations in the region, because the truth about character of the crime is a key element of stabilization in the Balkans, victims gives such a sense of justice and the perpetrators of organized crime committed identify individually and organizationally, as perpetrators and as the criminal system, thus avoiding the collectivization of responsibility for an entire people, and creates long-term basis for rebuilding the war- violated the trust between nations and ethnic groups in former Yugoslavia. The Government of Canada should now put more effort and energy in performing those guilty of genocide to justice, and to prevent all forms of organized crime in other parts of the world. By adopting resolution Canadian parliament undoubtedly demonstrated a high level of responsibility and awareness for the protection of human rights and freedoms in the world. Dennis Gratz, Dr. Phil .Lecturer on “Genocide and Genocidal Atrocities in Theory and International Law” at the Center for Interdisciplinary
It gives me pleasure to know that the Canadian parliament has adopted this resolution, but I am upset that it has taken this long because of challenges through out the process. This reminded me of a quote “People, do not fear life”. We should not fear changes or new goals, that stand in front of civilized individuals. In the end the truth is the strongest weapon and this resolution confirmed that. A big congratulations goes out to the Institute for Research of Genocide in Canada and its director Professor Emir Ramic for organizing the community to work tirelessly on lobbying to get this resolution passed in the parliament. Mr.sc. Zijad Bećirović, Director of The International Institute for Middle-East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Adopting the resolution on Srebrenica in the Canadian parliament is a result of a wonderful coalition of organizations and individuals under the direction of the Institute for Research of Genocide- Canada. This insitute has once more confirmed its importance through this success, led by professor Emir Ramic. The adoption of this resolution in the Canadian parliament is proof of that anything can be achieved with an organized system and a collective goal. It has been confirmed through this resolution that everything civilized is possible. Bakhtyar Aljaf, The International Institute for Middle-East and Balkan Studies (IFIMES) in Ljubljana, Slovenia
The adopted resolutian is an important step toward strentghening the awareness on the importance of punishing perpetrators, keeping the memory and preventing genocide and other crimes against humanity, an effort which obliges us all regardless of national and other borders. Canada is a country which, for years, has been promoting justice and human rights, the dedication of the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada, some Canadian researchers and peacekeepers in the fight against genocide is legendary, so this resolution also goes hand in hand with that tradition in the fight against genocide is legendary, so this resolution also goes hand in hand with that tradition. For Bosnia’s citizens, thos resolution means that Canada supports a path of reconciliation and society-building based primarily on truth and justice for all citizens, and this is a signal we in Bosnia welcome very cordially. Velma Saric, University of Sarajevo, Sociology -Postgraduate study (Faculty of Political Science). Project manager in Centre for Justice and Reconciliation (CJR) and Atlantic Initiative AI) Sarajevo. An IWPR trained journalist (Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) London.
The decision of the Canadian parliament to adopt a Srebrenica resolution shows us that fighting for the institution of cultural remembrance, like the Jewish community with their powerful lobby twenty years after the end of the Second World War with a goal to build a multidiscipline memory of the holocaust is necessary. In front of our generation are the following duties: to establish a genocide museum in Sarajevo so all victims of genocide across Bosnia and Herzegovina are acknowledged through education and cultural programs and commemorative and symbolic means. Furthermore, victims need to be protected by law from discrimination and physical harm. The resolution passed in Canada has convinced us that we are on the road to positive change. Mr. Fatmir Alispahic, Author
When future generations of Bosniaks in North America learn about the Bosnian history I am positive that the events that occurred in Canada on October 19th, 2010 will be talked about with great pride. Finally after many years of lobbying, a relatively small Bosniak community, led by the activists from the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada and CNAB succeeded in adopting a resolution on the Srebrenica genocide in the Canadian parliament. With this resolution, respect is paid to all victims of genocide and aggression in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With this resolution we have not only recognized the victims but also sent a clear message and a warning that another Srebrenica will never happen to anyone, anywhere. The tragedy in Srebrenica is no longer an issue of Bosniak morale or patriotic duty, it has become a concern for human rights in general. Canada has recognized the ability to identify the importance of human rights on a larger scale, amongst all the obstructions and politics, Bosniak Canadians, members of political parties and your representatives in the Canadian parliament, must be thanked for this humane as well as important political achievement. Professor Semir Djulic
Sentencing and acceptance of war crimes in today’s world must become a basic necessity of democracy. The present doubts of genocide which happened to the Bosniaks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, demonstrate a problem because it leaves room for new human rights abuses. Adopting the resolution on Genocide in the Canadian parliament is not and cannot only be important to Bosniaks instead it is all of our duty to remember all those victims that also justify the sentencing of criminals, which was not allowed to happen in the 20th century Europe. In addition it is a shame because there still needs to be such a huge battle for truth and for the future. Professor Maja Kassa
The adoption of a resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica, UN Protected Zone, which took place in July 1995, through the Canadian Parliament, is evidence and hope that the truth must and can win and that this fight should never cease until the victims have their peace, and that criminals deserve their punishment. The EU Parliament, U.S. Congress, the Parliament of Canada, our neighbors, and many other countries around the world finally understand what occurred in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina and show that they accept the decision of the court of justice. The Assembly of the UN had the people in the protected zones of Srebrenica under its’ protection, and has a responsibility and obligation to adopt a resolution of remembrance on the 11th of July as a day of remembrance for the victims of genocide in Srebrenica, and that this would be binding for all UN member states. M.S. Nanic Husein, Member of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly, Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Every public appraisal no matter what the crime is a great success for the public, especially when appraisals are given to serious types of crime such as genocide. Resolution that the Canadian parliament adopted gives hope to all of us that there will be fewer war crimes in the future. In addition, this is a small achievement for the victims of genocide, in relation to their family members and those who worked hard in achieving this Remembrance Day. We can hope that there will be more resolutions of this type in the future so there will be less and less genocide deniers. As an individual who lost many members of my direct and close family, I thank the Congress of North American Bosniaks and the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada for their determined efforts in globalizing the issue of war criminals and genocide. Professor dr. Alija Suljic
In recent days, the Canadian Parliament unanimously adopted a resolution marking July 11th as Srebrenica Remembrance Day in Canada. This motion recognizes the actions that took place in Srebrenica in July of 1995 - the massacre of Bosniak men and boys and the forcible removal of Bosniak people from their homes - as an act of genocide. It also ultimately recognizes that genocide took place in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the war. This is a great step towards justice for the innocent victims of the Srebrenica Genocide, as well as for all of the war’s victims. Once justice is served, the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina will be to achieve solid and lasting peace. Suzana Vukic, Journalist – columnist, The Hudson/St. Lazare Gazette, Montreal
On behalf of the Bosnian-American Genocide Institute and Education Center , it is my honor to congratulate the Bosnian-Canadian community for passing the Resolution declaring July 11 a day of remembrance of the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica and all of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the attack on independent Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1992 to 1995, an attack executed by its neighboring countries, Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro. The passing of this resolution is also an invitation to all Canadian citizens to collaborate in attempts to end the cycle of aggression and to promote a harmonious coexistence among all of the world’s people I would like to extend special congratulations to Professor Emir Ramic, director of the Canadian Genocide Institute and President of the Congress of North American Bosniaks. Professor Ramic has devotedly led the passing of this Resolution, convinced that truth and justice must prevail and thus affect the prevention of crimes against humanity and international law. Sanja Seferovic Drnovsek, Director of Bosnian American Genocide Institute and Education Center
Congratulations to the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada and the Congress of North American Bosniaks for the unanimous adoption of Resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica, after a 5 year battle and persistent lobbying. This Resolution obliges all citizens of Canada to 15th July to mark the appropriate way with the message that genocide never, to anyone, anywhere not happen and not happen again. We hope that over time the number of Serbian Chetnik populations in Canada, which so persistently fought with lies and fraud against the adoption of this Resolution, because of their children and future generations of time to accept its messages and lessons, face the reality of the past, to condemn the crimes and confess, seek forgiveness, just like the Germans after the Holocaust, and thus wash away the taint of a bar with future generations in order to better joint future. Selena Seferovic, Director of the Bosnian Libraries of Chicago and Mensur Seferovic, Historian and Author
The Srebrenica proclamation in the Canadian Parliament is of significant historical value as it clearly identifies that genocide was committed against the citizens of Srebrenica. We can never forget what happened in Srebrenica and proclamations such as those enacted by the Canadian Parliament guaranty that this tragic event will be forever remembered and documented in the history of mankind as an example of greatest evil acts upon man. As such, it will hopefully ensure that such events are not repeated and that criminals will be stopped in the future from repeating such barbaric acts against humanity as a whole. As an Bosnian-American, I am especially pleased that both my own county, the USA ,and now its primary ally ,Canada, whom many Americans consider their sister country, have both enacted resolutions condemning the terror and recognizing the genocide against our brothers and sisters in Srebrenica. I sincerely thank the Canadian people and government for taking a step in ensuring that we will never forget and will take steps to ensure that history will not repeat itself! Dzafer Kulenovic Chicago, Illinois, USA
There is probably no more apt or thorough description of the act of the recent Resolution regarding the Srebrenica Genocide passed recently in the Canadian Parliament than the one given by Hon. Brian Masse, M.P. (NDP). He simply called it the “Institutionalization of Srebrenica Remembrance Day”. That same day I updated my facebook status to read “O Canada” (linked to one of the most beautiful vocal renditions of our anthem), and I wrote that “today it is truly wonderful to be a Canadian and a Bosniak.”I’m convinced that the passing of this resolution is of monumental importance to Canada, first as a very democratic nation, and second, as a country that regards humanitarian principles as fundamental values of its internal and external policy. The acceptance of this resolution will be remembered as one of the bright spots of “Harper’s Era”. On a personal level, the passing of the resolution provokes two feelings; one of a thankfulness to God that my children live in a country where humanity is valued, and the second, a feeling of great respect towards my new homeland. The next important question in front of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian diaspora in Canada is “What’s next”? The resolution has, at least in a political sense, brought to an end the feeling of victimization in Bosniaks, and with that has created conditions to begin efforts of cooperation and reconciliation. There is also, as always, the mission to pursue and apprehend the perpetrators of war crimes in the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I have a desire and a dream to see our children, associate freely in all aspects of life, regardless of their nationality, that they be proud Canadians, and that they love and understand their roots and where their parents came from. There are no evil nations, there are only people and their “good and bad souls”, to quote the great Rumi. Zijad Burgic, journalist
Having the Canadian Parliament recognize July 11 as Srebrenica Remembrance Day is very important to me as a Canadian, as a Bosniak and as a human being. I’m not from Srebrenica, but for the past few years I’ve been sponsoring Semsa Catic, who was a child when her father and brother disappeared from their village, one of many surrounding Srebrenica in July 1995. Semsa is now a young woman studying in Sarajevo. In 2007 I met Semsa, her mom, her sister and her nephew in Ilijas. Semsa’s family is one of many that has been scarred forever by the genocide committed by the Serbs on Bosniaks in Srebrenica. I hope that by remembering July 11 we will prevent future genocides so that Semsa’s story does not repeat ever again anywhere. Sanela Gorovic, Institute for Research of Genocide Canada
The adoption of the resolution on genocide in the Canadian parliament is an extraordinary step in the historic context on the aggression of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I read the document carefully and I am convinced the road that the Canadian Bosniaks, led by professor Emir Ramic was not in any sense simple. Emir Ramic and his team deserve kudos and the institute is worthy of praise for their fight against genocide that began in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For those of us who follow the determined work of Emir Ramic and the Canadian Bosniak leaders, it is an honour and a privilege to know that the issues that were attempted to be buried at the end of the aggression have made it on the international stage. I hope the work on this project will last for decades since serious damage has been done in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the aggression. Neighbouring countries, Croatia and Serbia must admit to their actions and understand that their ambitions today and the actions during the aggression in Bosnia and Herzegovina represent their ideologies from past centuries. The results from the Canadian Bosniaks and the leadership from professor Ramic largely confirm the citizenship, statehood, independence and unity of Bosnia and Herzegovina that openly, freely and in a civil matter stabilize the political climate on the Balkans. Sabit I. Milinkich
Adoption of the genocide resolution in the Canadian parliament is a grand success for the Bosniak Canadian community that was led by Professor Emir Ramic. I am aware that the Bosniak Canadians had a large opposition but once again they demonstrated how big and strong they are. The war against the Bosniaks still goes on; it is just led through diplomatic means. Professor Emir Ramic as a leader of Canadian Bosniaks is one of the first leaders in that war and from one battle to another he led the community to huge success. I hope that his achievements will never be forgotten and that his name will be used through history as an individual from the Bosniak corpus in the battle for human rights. Canadian Bosniaks had one of the biggest and strongest Diasporas in Canada against them. The Serbian Diaspora was inspired by their collective nationalistic aims and this was the biggest barrier and challenge the whole time. Only a leader such as Professor Emir Ramic was able to break through that barrier and was able to sit on the winning throne. Sulejman V.Aličković, author
With the hard work and leadership from Emir Ramic, Canadian Bosniaks successfully established a resolution on the Srebrenica Genocide in the Canadian Parliament, even after aggressive lobbying from the Serbian side that resulted in a veto from the Canadian prime minister. Even after all of this, the community proved to the Canadian politicians and the rest of the world that in the end truth and justice won and with this resolution the Canadian parliament stood on the side of truth and respect towards the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica and Bosnia and Herzegovina. With this resolution, the international community, including the Canadian government take responsibility for the years of brutality and aggression from the side of Serbia and Karadzic’s army that was created through the embargo on Bosnia and Herzegovina. The determined work of professor Ramic and the efforts of others in the Congress of North American Bosniaks as well as all other friends and lobbyists of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been achieved out of debt and respect to all those victims of the Srebrenica genocide and all those Bosniaks who survived the effects of hate due to dark ideologies from the Serbian academy. It is up to todays and the future generations to remember the tragic past as well as to motivate others to fight for current injustices of war crimes and genocide that have resulted in the creation of Republika Srpska. Aziz Ramovic
To Professor Emir Ramic, the Congress of North American Bosniaks and the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada, we congratulate you all on the successful work in having the Canadian parliament adopt a resolution on the remembrance day of genocide that was started by the Serbs on the Bosniaks in Srebrenica. This resolution that was passed in the Canadian parliament that many fought for and succeeded means a lot because it has been achieved in a non-European Union country however it joins the European parliament in marking the genocide in Srebrenica from January 2009. Affan Cehajic
Congratulations to Emir Ramic and the lobbying team on this wonderful achievement. The battle for truth and justice to be remembered is very important. It is necessary to be determined and strong to achieve something like this. Alija Izetbegovic once said life is a battle between the good and the bad and the battle is usually against injustice but we are only left with a choice to fight against the bad. I would like to add that the battle gives us meaning and strength in life and in that sense life is more beautiful. Amra Hodzic
I am truly happy to see that determination, cleverness and hard work of Canadian Bosniak lobbyists with the leadership of Emir Ramic resulted in success. Preventing genocide is a moral obligation of all individuals. Radical right wing movement are given the right to spread throughout Europe. This reminds me of a conversation I had with a wonderful professor Steven Dediere who wrote a letter to Bush 15 years ago insisting that Milosevic is a fascist and needs to be stopped, “If you do not act on this right now, in ten years we will have hundreds of individuals like him who will destabilize the world”. These are Dedier’s words to Bush. Sevko Kadric, author
Statements that were issued earlier, you can read here and here.
