Memorial Center: Employees return to work, institution remains closed for group visits

In line with current security assessments and undertaken protection measures, the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial Center held a meeting of employees and associates today, at which the current situation and possibilities for ending the temporary closure of the institution were discussed. In accordance with the information received from institutions and the OHR, a decision was made for employees to return to work.

"At the meeting, we jointly analyzed the current situation and all relevant information, including the received security guarantees from competent institutions, protection measures undertaken by the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of Bosnia and Herzegovina (DKPT BiH) and the EUFOR mission, as well as feedback from employees and associates of the Memorial Center. I want to thank the Director of the Directorate for Coordination of Police Bodies of BiH, Chief Police General Inspector Enes Karić, for the measures taken. DKPT has been and remains key to the work of the Memorial Center. We also received guarantees from the High Representative that he is prepared to take all necessary measures for the continuation of work," stated the Director of the Srebrenica Memorial Center, Emir Suljagić.

Additional security measures include increased presence of DKPT BiH and enhanced surveillance within the Memorial Center grounds, additional technical protection measures and access control for all visitors and staff, and close cooperation with EUFOR, along with a number of other security steps.


"My primary responsibility, both legal and moral, is towards the people working at the Srebrenica Memorial Center and the community in which they live. It must be clear to everyone that we are returning to work under extraordinary legal conditions and a special security regime. State institutions in this part of the country are functioning in complete legal uncertainty, which will continue to have consequences for our work. For this reason, among others, the Center will still not be open for group and collective visits," said Suljagić.

The Srebrenica Memorial Center remains dedicated to its mission of preserving the truth and memory of the genocide victims, while ensuring the highest standards of protection for all who come to pay their respects. The public will be informed in a timely manner about the outcome of the meeting and further steps.

"I take this opportunity to thank everyone who has shown solidarity with the Memorial Center. Our friends and allies continue to stand with us and closely monitor developments together with us. As soon as we assess the situation this week, we will strive to ensure that the institution is opened for collective visits before the end of the month," Suljagić concluded.