Srebrenica, 7 November 2025 – Promoting reconciliation, human rights, and justice in the Western Balkans was in focus as a delegation of 15 parliamentarians from across the OSCE region, led by OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Pere Joan Pons Sampietro (Spain), visited Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina today.
OSCE PA delegation at the the Srebrenica Memorial Centre, 7 November 2025In remarks delivered at the Memorial Centre, President Pons stressed the importance of remembrance, justice, and accountability as pillars of lasting peace.
“Today, we stand in this place of immense sorrow to honour the memory of more than 8,300 innocent men and boys who were brutally killed in July 1995,” he said. “Thirty years on, Srebrenica remains a tragic reminder of where hatred and division can lead. We must never allow such atrocities to happen again.”
“Justice for the victims and their families is not only a moral obligation but a cornerstone of reconciliation,” Pons continued. “Those responsible for these crimes must be held accountable, without exception. Only through truth, justice, and recognition can we build the foundations for genuine and lasting peace.”
OSCE PA delegation at the OSCE Field Office in Srebrenica, 7 November 2025In Srebrenica the delegation was briefed about the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Field Office in Srebrenica’s ongoing support to inter-community dialogue, local governance, and initiatives fostering social cohesion and the rule of law. The delegation expressed appreciation for the Mission’s continuous efforts to strengthen democratic practices and promote reconciliation nearly three decades after the conflict.
The parliamentarians met with the Mayor of Srebrenica, Miloš Vučić, and the Speaker of the Municipal Assembly, Almir Dudić, for discussions on local challenges, opportunities for economic recovery, youth participation, and efforts to build mutual trust within the community. The Members stressed their support for continued international engagement and parliamentary co-operation in advancing these goals.
President Pons also emphasized that the OSCE PA will continue to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in advancing its democratic institutions, strengthening the rule of law, and fostering reconciliation among all its citizens.
OSCE PA delegation with Mayor and Speaker of the Assembly of Srebrenica, Municipality of Srebrenica, 7 November 2025“Our visit to Srebrenica reaffirms the OSCE PA’s commitment to supporting local and national efforts aimed at healing divisions and promoting coexistence,” Pons said. “We are inspired by the resilience of this community and by all those working tirelessly for a peaceful and united future.”
Visiting the Srebrenica Memorial Centre and Museum in Potočari, the parliamentarians laid wreaths and paid solemn tribute to the victims of the 1995 genocide. The delegation toured the museum exhibition and met with representatives of the Memorial Centre, survivors, and families of the victims, who shared their experiences and reflections.
The delegation’s visit to Srebrenica follows meetings held in Sarajevo yesterday and forms part of the Assembly’s broader engagement in South-Eastern Europe, aimed at promoting dialogue, stability, and the shared values of human rights and democratic governance across the region.
The OSCE PA delegation includes four Vice-Presidents including the Assembly’s Special Representative on South East Europe, Kyriakos Hadjiyianni (Cyprus), and parliamentarians from Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and the United Kingdom, as well as OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella.
Photos from the visit are available on Flickr.
