In a poignant reminder of one of Europe’s darkest chapters, families gathered in Bosnia this week to commemorate the victims of the Srebrenica genocide, decades after the horrific events that claimed 8,372 lives in just seven days. The site, marked by rows of white headstones, stands as a haunting testament to the atrocities committed against Muslim civilians who sought refuge in what was supposed to be a UN-protected zone—only to meet a brutal fate.

As mourners stood beside green coffins, the pain of loss was palpable. This year, only seven victims were laid to rest, the lowest number to date, underscoring the grim reality that many families are still searching for their loved ones. The search for truth and closure continues, with over a thousand individuals still unaccounted for, their remains often reduced to mere fragments. The oldest victim buried this year was 67-year-old Fatabage, whose only remains were a single bone.

The Srebrenica massacre, recognized as genocide by international courts and the United Nations, serves as a stark reminder of humanity’s failures. Survivors like Meida, who lost her entire family, reflect on the enduring pain and the haunting silence that still protects the perpetrators. As the world pauses to remember, some voices echo concerns that the same failures are repeating today, drawing parallels to ongoing conflicts like the situation in Gaza.

This memorial is not just a tribute; it stands as a warning. The gathering of families, the somber ceremonies, and the unyielding quest for justice highlight that memory alone is insufficient to prevent history from repeating itself. As the names of the lost are read aloud, the urgency for accountability and remembrance resonates, reminding us that the fight against impunity must continue.