Exhibition 'Legacy of Hope after the Srebrenica Genocide: A New Generation's Journey' Opens at the United Nations

(Patria) - Marking the 30th anniversary of the genocide against Bosniaks in Srebrenica, an exhibition titled “Legacy of Hope after the Srebrenica Genocide: A New Generation's Journey” opened at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The exhibition was jointly organized by the Srebrenica Memorial Center and the Permanent Mission of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN, with the support of the United Nations.

The exhibition features eight powerful, personal stories of people who survived the genocide or were born after it — through video testimonies and panels with photographs, quotes, and QR codes leading to poignant confessions. The central visual element of the installation is the monumental photograph “Mother of Srebrenica” by Almin Zrno, a symbol of all mothers who, despite unimaginable loss, chose dignity over hatred. The opening was attended by high-ranking officials, including member of the Presidency of BiH Denis Bećirović, Minister of Foreign Affairs of BiH Elmedin Konaković, Ambassador Zlatko Lagumdžija, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps and the international community.

In her speech, Amra Begić, Assistant Director of the Srebrenica Memorial Center, stated: “This exhibition is not just about what was. It is about what came after — and about what still continues.” She emphasized that the strength of the stories lies precisely in the dignity and resilience of those who carry them: “The Mothers of Srebrenica lost everything. But they did not choose hatred. They chose humanity.”

Amra Begić extended special thanks to the entire team of the Srebrenica Memorial Center that prepared the exhibition: Redžep Ustić, Ahmedin Đozić, Samra Halilović, and Azra Kadić, led by Hasan Hasanović, who has been dedicated for years to preserving the culture of remembrance and passing on the truth to new generations.

She also thanked the members of the Permanent Mission of BiH to the UN, including Ambassador Zlatko Lagumdžija, Dr. Šejla Đurbuzović, Naida Rezak, and the entire Mission team who, as she said, “invested enormous effort, professionalism, and humanity to make this exhibition happen in a place that symbolizes global responsibility.”

“Genocide does not begin with bullets. It begins with silence, denial, and looking the other way,” Begić concluded, calling for remembrance, truth, and justice as foundations for building lasting peace. The opening was addressed by Zlatko Lagumdžija, Kada Hotić, Elmedin Konaković, and Denis Bećirović.