Srebrenica included among symbols of global suffering: Mediterranean Peace Prize awarded

(Patria) - On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the genocide against Bosniaks in the United Nations protected zone of Srebrenica, this city and its citizens have been awarded the prestigious Mediterranean Peace Prize. At the same time, the symbol of Srebrenica's suffering was solemnly placed among the world's greatest symbols of human tragedy – alongside Guernica and Hiroshima, in the sanctuary of the Totem of Peace in Naples, Italy.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of the United States of the World, with the support of numerous international institutions and organizations, and Srebrenica was represented by the Deputy Mayor and President of the Organizing Committee for the 30th anniversary of the genocide, Hamdija Fejzić.

In his address, Fejzić emphasized that this recognition is deeply symbolic and universally important, reminding that Srebrenica, even 30 years after the genocide, remains a symbol of the struggle for truth, justice, and peace.

“Srebrenica today is not only a symbol of pain, but also a universal symbol of resistance to oblivion and denial of the truth. This award is not only a recognition of the past, but also a pledge for the future – a future based on justice and truth,” Fejzić stated.

He recalled that the Srebrenica genocide is a tragedy for all of humanity and a warning for future generations, and that the struggle of survivors and families of victims is not a struggle for revenge, but for dignified remembrance and lasting peace.

“Srebrenica today has two faces – the face of remembrance and the face of hope. We are building a community that believes in dialogue, respect, and coexistence. Our message to the world is clear: remembrance is our strength, and peace is our future.”

The ceremony was further marked by the inauguration of a sanctuary dedicated to Pope Francis, in which relics of victims from various war zones are stored. Among them, alongside Srebrenica, are Sarajevo, Hiroshima, Guernica, Aleppo, Gaza, and other cities that are symbols of human suffering.

The Secretary General of the United States of the World Foundation, Prof. Michele Capasso, stated that the sanctuary is conceived as a permanent monument to all civilian victims of wars, but also as a place that symbolizes hope for peace.

A particularly emotional moment was the commemoration of the victims from Gaza, where Dr. Alaa al-Najjar sent a piece of cloth with which she wiped the faces of her children – nine out of ten she lost in the war. The names of each of them are written on that fabric, which has now become part of the sanctuary.

“The space in the heart of Naples will become a monumental work, a symbol not only of migrants who died at sea, but also of victims of wars and martyr cities around the world. It will be a place of peace and a warning to all of humanity,” Capasso said.



The ceremony in Naples once again reminded the world of the universal value of remembrance, the necessity of preserving the truth, and the fight against genocide denial. The message is clear: peace is not built by forgetting, but by confronting the past and a culture of memory.

Thanks to the efforts of organizers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, international partners, and representatives of the city of Naples, the voice of Srebrenica has once again reached the heart of Europe – with a clear message: "We will not forget."