This year marks the 30th anniversary of the 1995 massacre when more than 8,000 men and boys were killed. Mostly perpetrated by Bosnian Serbs and Serb paramilitaries, the attack on a UN enclave, including the forcible transfer of 25,000 women, children and elderly, constitutes the first legally recognised genocide in Europe since WWII.
The Galway West TD said she would pay respect to the victims, their families and those who remain missing on behalf of the people of Ireland at what was one of the most horrific atrocities to ever take place in Europe.
“In 2024, Ireland co-sponsored a UN resolution designating July 11 as the international day of remembrance for the Srebrenica Genocide. It is our duty as the international community to come together to remember the brutality and devastation which occurred”.
During her visit, Minister Naughton presented medals to two members of the Irish Defence Forces. The European Union Common Security and Defence Policy Medal for Operation Althea was awarded to Lt Col Karl Connolly, the most senior Defence Forces member in the mission, and Sgt Maj Conor Kelleher.
Operation Althea is a European Union military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH ) established to oversee the military implementation of the Dayton Agreement. It began on December 2, 2004, taking over from NATO’s peacekeeping mission in the region. The operation aims to maintain a safe and secure environment in BiH, supporting the authorities in their efforts to ensure stability.
Minister Naughton concluded: “Later this year, Ireland will open a resident Embassy in Sarajevo. This is a recognition not only of the close connection between our two countries and our support for Bosnia and Herzegovina as it continues on its journey towards EU membership, but also of Ireland’s support to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina as they continue on their path towards reconciliation.”
