EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos: Srebrenica remains a deep scar in European history

(Patria) - Marta Kos, EU Enlargement Commissioner, paid tribute at the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide to all the killed victims and those being buried today.

"Today I am here to pay tribute to the victims of the genocide committed 30 years ago.

To the Bosniaks, 8,372 of them, systematically killed and buried in mass graves – as if hiding the bodies could make us forget the crime. We have not forgotten. And we never will.

I am also here to share the grief with their loved ones. As well as with the families of the seven victims who will be buried today. The seven of them who were denied a dignified burial for 30 years. The youngest, Senajid Avdić and Hariz Mujić, were only 19 years old. The oldest, Fata Bektić, was 67. I hope their families can find some peace.

Srebrenica remains a deep scar in European history.

Srebrenica happened during my lifetime. Near us. In a country where I was born, in a country that no longer exists. It reminds us that people are capable of doing the unthinkable. And that hatred and dehumanisation can lead to the worst crimes.

It is our duty to remember – to stand up against hatred and divisions, to stand up against genocide denial, to stand up against glorifying war criminals.

Let us honour the victims of Srebrenica by defending the rights that were denied to them.

Let us learn from the past and build a common future of a united Europe based on respect – respect for different beliefs, religious and national affiliations, identities and languages.

And let us create a future in which we are defined primarily by what makes us human.

When I speak of the unification of Europe, I speak of a community where everyone lives in peace and dignity. Where the rights of every individual are respected and protected. And I see Bosnia and Herzegovina at the very heart of that community," Kos said.