Commemoration in Ljubljana: Remembering the Srebrenica Genocide is the Foundation of a Common European Conscience

(Patria) - The central ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide was held today in the courtyard of the Islamic Cultural Centre Ljubljana, concluding a months-long memorial program of 8,372 living memories.

A series of events – exhibitions, testimonies, educational meetings, and discussions – took place from January to July, organized by the Islamic Cultural Centre Ljubljana Institute, in cooperation with the Office of the Mufti of the Islamic Community in the Republic of Slovenia, Mufti Nevzet Porić, and under the honorary patronage of the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar.

At the closing ceremony, state and diplomatic officials, along with numerous visitors from all over Slovenia, paid tribute to the victims of the genocide.

As host, Mufti Porić welcomed the highest state representatives – Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Meira Hot, President of the National Council Marko Lotrič, President of the Constitutional Court Rok Čeferin, Chief State Prosecutor Katarina Bergant, Ljubljana Archbishop Stanislav Zore, Protestant Bishop Leon Novak, Deputy Mayor of the City of Ljubljana Dejan Crnek, and representatives from over 15 foreign diplomatic missions in Slovenia.

In the introductory part, Mufti Porić and President Pirc Musar, who was also the honorary speaker, addressed the attendees. Both, in a tone of deep respect, called for the preservation of historical memory.

Mufti Porić emphasized that Srebrenica is not just a place on the geographical map, but a symbol of global trauma, human pain, and at the same time, a moral obligation towards truth and remembrance.

According to him, the memorial program was not a history textbook, but a moral compass reminding us what it means to remain human in times of indifference.

In her speech, President Pirc Musar stated, among other things, that "the truth about the genocide is immutable, and its remembrance is the foundation of our common European conscience".

She warned of the dangers of historical revisionism and called for persistent dedication to justice, compassion, and a common European space.

After the speeches, a minute of silence followed – attendees, each in their own way, by reciting Fatiha, praying, or in silence, paid homage to the more than 8,000 innocent lives lost.

The emotional climax of the ceremony was the performance of an excerpt from the oratorio "Srebrenica Inferno," movingly interpreted by mezzo-soprano Nuška Drašček with piano accompaniment by Jaka Pucihar.

Following the program, guests had the opportunity to view the exhibition "30 Years Since the Srebrenica Genocide: Memories of Survivors Living Among Us Today," which, through the stories of survivors, depicts not only pain and history but also the present – life with memory.

In the exhibition space, Pirc Musar met with surviving witnesses whose life stories, due to their strength, are also part of the exhibition.

The audience that filled the courtyard consisted of people of all generations, faiths, and different communities. The memorial program has become a space for connection, solidarity, and shared learning from a painful past.

"We sincerely thank everyone who supported, followed, and co-created the '8,372 living memories' program: the numerous volunteers who diligently gave their time, collaborators, co-organizers, and patrons who, each in their own way, ensured the quality, respect, and dignity of the content.

Together, we built a bridge of remembrance – a bridge that connects not only places but also people. To understand. To empathize. And so that it never happens again," announced the Islamic Cultural Centre in Ljubljana.