Montenegro and Srebrenica: False Symbolism Instead of True Remembrance
It’s been 30 years since the genocide in Srebrenica, the worst crime on European soil since World War II. While Montenegro supported the UN resolution declaring July 11 as the International Day of Remembrance, its official commitment to this date is – to put it bluntly – pathetic and superficial.
Official institutions were practically absent from the public space, joining civil society initiatives only superficially. Instead of showing genuine respect and empathy, they gave the impression of formal, insincere dedication. One of the few official gestures was the exhibition “When Time Falls Silent” in the lobby of the Montenegrin government building – and it lasted only four hours! Is that a worthy remembrance of a tragedy with nearly 8,000 victims?
The exhibition was content-wise modest and felt more like a PR stunt for the international community than a sincere need for internal dialogue and citizen education. In a political context where some parliamentary parties deny or relativize the genocide, such half-measures are not only insufficient but dangerous.
The Center for Civic Education (CGO) reminds that the government and parliament ignored the request of NGOs and the Bosniak Council of Civic Activists to mark July 11 with dignity, with content reflecting responsibility towards victims, families, and society.
In short, Montenegro chose false symbolism over true remembrance. Is it political calculation, ignorance, or something darker? While the world remembers, Montenegro pretends to remember. That is the real tragedy.
If you think this is too harsh, just wait and see what happens next year. Meanwhile, drop a comment – is this truly respectful to the victims or just another political farce?
Numbers we must not forget:
- 30 years since the Srebrenica genocide
- Nearly 8,000 men and boys killed
- Exhibition lasted only 4 hours
Political context:
- Some parliamentary parties deny or relativize the genocide
- Government and parliament ignored the request for dignified commemoration
What CGO said:
- True remembrance is needed, not false symbolism
- Responsibility towards victims and society
Join the conversation, because silence is not an option when it comes to truth and remembrance of Srebrenica.
