Following the 25th Anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide, Toby Cadman, Co-Founder and Head of Guernica 37 International Justice Chambers, appeared on Turkish international news channel TRT World to discuss the responsibility of the United Nations.
In July 1995, more than 8,000 Bosniaks were killed during the Bosnian War. The UN in April 1993 declared the valley of Srebrenica a ‘safe area’ under its protection; yet, it both failed to demilitarise the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and to force the withdrawal of the Bosnian Serb Army of Republika Srpska.
Highlighted in the interview is the failure of the UN to abide by its obligations - Srebrenica is seen to remain a ‘stain’ on its history. Presently, more focus must be given to the disinformation that is being spread concerning the corrosive propaganda and the genocide denial rhetoric of Bosnia’s leaders.
Therefore, in light of the UN’s obligations concerning its peacekeeping missions, a closer examination of its actions must be undertaken. As conflicts continue to unfold worldwide, the need for prevention and accountability is greater than ever. Ultimately, the priority must be that of human rights protections and accurate reporting, in order to address the continuing divisions between national and ethnic groups within Bosnia.