Srebrenica Memorial Center Board: Changes to the curriculum in RS promote revisionism and glorification of war criminals

(Patria) - Members of the Management Board of the Srebrenica-Potočari Memorial Center, Memorial and Cemetery of the Victims of the 1995 Genocide, led by the President of the Management Board, Aida Baručija, have spoken out regarding the changes to the curriculum of primary schools (eighth and ninth grades) in the BiH entity of Republika Srpska. New methods and areas have been introduced into the curriculum that will enable the spread of disinformation, and thus hatred among younger generations, as well as the continuous glorification of convicted war criminals.

“The latest changes to the Curriculum in the Bosnian-Podrinje entity of Republika Srpska, which include the glorification of convicted war criminals such as Ratko Mladić and Radovan Karadžić, represent a deeply concerning attempt at historical revisionism. Through such changes, younger generations are being introduced to a dangerous false narrative that denies established facts about genocide and war crimes, and ethnic hatred is being encouraged.

This practice is in direct opposition to the fundamental principles of education, which should be aimed at promoting peace and mutual understanding. The curriculum must be based on historical truth and facts, not on political interests and manipulations. The presentation of 'sweeping statements' mentioned by the Ministry precisely reflects the concerns of experts and the international community regarding attempts to rewrite history in favor of one narrative.

At the same time, such endeavors are contrary to the rulings of international courts and civilizational values, and represent additional pressure and an insult to the surviving witnesses of the genocide and their descendants who are being educated in this entity today,” stated the Management Board of the Srebrenica Memorial Center.

It is known that for decades, due to the specific structure of state institutions and divided competencies, especially in the field of education, younger generations in BiH have been presented with historical and judicially established facts in a different, often incorrect and inaccurate way when it comes to the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The current changes to the curriculum are precisely aimed at further dividing Bosnian-Herzegovinian society and distorting the truth, which this time is exclusively directed at the young people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The Srebrenica Memorial Center will continue to work on activities aimed at spreading the truth, promoting genuine reconciliation, and ensuring that crimes are never forgotten, especially the crime of genocide in Srebrenica. Our mission remains to provide a platform for education, research, and raising awareness about the genocide in Srebrenica throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through educational programs, organizing conferences, publishing, and other forms of public engagement, we strive to preserve the memory of the victims and prevent future generations from straying into dangerous ideologies,” the Management Board of the Memorial Center announced.