Konaković at UN Security Council address: Genocide in Srebrenica happened while the whole world was silent

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina Elmedin Konaković addressed the United Nations Security Council late last night during his stay in New York.

In his address, Minister Konaković emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina fully supports the statement of the Group of Friends for Accountability following the aggression against Ukraine.

“Our world today, unfortunately, is far from peaceful and secure. It is a world where injustice and intolerance question our common values, the very foundation of our humanity and prosperity. Russia's aggression against Ukraine is not an isolated incident, but represents the most blatant violation of the UN Charter and international law. Its consequences are catastrophic with numerous lives lost, families destroyed, and millions of displaced persons, leading to a humanitarian crisis,” the minister stated, adding that UN members must be decisive and that we do not have to look far into the past to see what happens when our community of nations does not uphold and defend the rules and norms of the world order.

“We have the right and the obligation to speak loudly on this issue because we experienced a genocide that occurred in a UN protected zone, in my country, in Srebrenica, while the whole world was silent,” the minister emphasized.

In his address, he assessed that the violation of the UN Charter rules is no longer acceptable and that it is an insult to our common values. He reminded that it is our duty to stand behind the noble principles on which this Organization was built and that effective responses require accountability, respect for international norms, strong coalitions, and progressive, inclusive leadership.

He stressed that despite obstacles, such as the abuse of the veto right, we have taken a decisive step through the General Assembly and that we express our determination to defend Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principles based on justice.

In the end, he conveyed that together we will persevere in demanding that such violence be stopped and we will work tirelessly for overall peace.