Bosnia is marking a harrowing milestone: 30 years since the Srebrenica genocide, the worst massacre in Europe since World War II. As the world reflects on this dark chapter, thousands have gathered in Srebrenica to honor the victims and confront the painful legacy that lingers. Each year, families return to bury the remains of their loved ones, a solemn act of defiance against those who deny the atrocities committed in 1995.

Despite the passage of time, the search for the missing continues, with authorities scouring the surrounding forests in a desperate bid to recover remains and provide closure to grieving families. Yet, denial remains a festering wound, as politicians from Serbia and Bosnia’s Republic of Srpska recently opposed a United Nations resolution to formally acknowledge the genocide. Survivors express their anguish, stating, “It feels like someone is ripping the flesh off your body,” as they confront the ongoing insults and claims that the bones of their loved ones are merely animal remains.

This year, as seven more victims are laid to rest, the emotional toll intensifies. Survivors describe the annual pilgrimage to Srebrenica as increasingly burdensome, yet essential to ensure that the truth is never forgotten. The presence of Dutch citizens, grappling with their nation’s shared responsibility, underscores the collective memory that must not fade.

The legacy of war criminals like Radovan Karadžić and General Ratko Mladić, convicted for their roles in the genocide, looms large, serving as a grim reminder of the past. With countless remains still unidentified, the quest for justice and recognition remains urgent. As families gather in Srebrenica, they not only mourn but also vow to keep the memory of their loved ones alive, ensuring that such horror is never repeated. The fight for truth continues, and the world must not turn away.