President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, issued a strong message commemorating the 30th anniversary of the 1995 Srebrenica Genocide, condemning genocide denial and calling for accountability for war crimes. His remarks were delivered via video message during the official memorial ceremony held in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
President Erdoğan extended condolences on behalf of the Turkish nation, stating:
“On this day of mourning, I convey the heartfelt sympathies of 86 million citizens of Türkiye to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
“A Shameful Failure of the International Community”
Referring to the Srebrenica massacre as “a dark stain on human history,” Erdoğan lamented the international community’s failure to prevent the genocide, calling it “an irreparable weakness that will forever be remembered with shame.”
He stressed that the pain of the Bosniaks brutally murdered in Srebrenica remains fresh even after three decades, and denounced the mindset that continues to ignore such atrocities.
“We continue our determined struggle against those who remain blind to such cruelty, who have lost their sense of humanity,” Erdoğan declared.
UN Reform and the Legacy of Aliya Izetbegović
President Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s call for reform of the United Nations, criticizing the passivity of global institutions:
“Our long-standing appeal for reform at the United Nations is rooted in our opposition to the mentality of ‘If it doesn’t affect me, let it be.’”
Quoting Bosnia’s late leader and statesman Aliya Izetbegović, he added:
“‘Whatever you do, never forget genocide. Because forgotten genocide is repeated.’ These words continue to illuminate our path.”
Türkiye’s Commitment to Remembrance and Justice
Highlighting Türkiye’s role in sponsoring the UN General Assembly’s recent declaration of July 11 as the International Day of Remembrance for the 1995 Srebrenica Genocide, Erdoğan praised the move as a strong expression of global conscience.
He also noted the establishment of the Srebrenica Genocide Victims Memorial Museum, built with Türkiye’s support on the site of the infamous battery factory where many of the atrocities occurred.
“We firmly reject all expressions and statements that deny the Srebrenica Genocide or glorify convicted war criminals. And we strongly condemn the attacks and harassment targeting those who have returned to their homes in post-war Bosnia,” he stated.
From Srebrenica to Gaza: A Call for Global Conscience
Erdoğan drew a parallel between the inaction during the Srebrenica Genocide and the current humanitarian crisis in Gaza:
“It is a bitter reality that what is happening in Gaza today proves the international community has failed to learn the necessary lessons from Srebrenica.”
He continued:
“Just as the world stood silent in Srebrenica, it now watches the suffering of Palestinians. The Israeli government will eventually be held accountable—before both history and international law—for its crimes against nearly 57,000 Palestinian children, women, elderly, and youth.”
Türkiye’s Support for Bosnia’s Unity and Stability
Reaffirming Türkiye’s unwavering support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity and constitutional order, President Erdoğan emphasized the importance of internal reconciliation and long-term regional stability:
“We sincerely hope to see an inclusive domestic consensus in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is vital for the stability of both the Balkans and Europe.”
“Türkiye remains fully committed to contributing—both bilaterally and through multilateral efforts—to peace, stability, and harmony in the region,” Erdoğan concluded.
The Turkish president closed his message by praying for the souls of the victims of the genocide and offering condolences to their families.
