European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, released a video statement on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica.

“Today I am in Srebrenica to pay tribute to the victims of the genocide committed in this area 30 years ago. At least 8,372 Bosniaks were systematically murdered. They were buried in mass graves to conceal the crime.

Many are still listed as missing. Srebrenica is the worst crime committed in Europe since the Second World War. Today, another seven victims will be buried.

Seven victims will find their final resting place. Seven recently identified. The youngest, Senaid Avdić and Hariz Mujić, were only 19 years old.

The oldest, Hata Bektić, was 67. I hope their families can find at least some peace.

The genocide in Srebrenica happened during my lifetime. So close to us. It reminds us that people are capable of the unimaginable, and that hatred and dehumanisation can lead to the worst crimes. Srebrenica is a deep scar in European history.

It is our duty to remember. It is our duty to stand up and never look away whenever advocates of hatred question human rights and undermine the dignity of others. We must say no – to division, no – to hatred, no – to glorifying war criminals.

Instead, we should jointly turn to the future. European history also shows us a different path. In the European Union, we resolve differences through dialogue and mutual respect, under the protection of democratic institutions.

Different beliefs, religions, nationalities, identities, and languages are recognised and respected. There are so many places where people live together in peace, defined not by their ethnicity, but by shared humanity and protected by human rights. We must defend those values at all costs, wherever in the world.

To me, that is the lesson of Srebrenica.”