Srebrenica massacre

Definition

The Srebrenica massacre refers to the systematic killing of more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys in July 1995 during the Bosnian War, in and around the town of Srebrenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This event is considered one of the most horrific examples of ethnic cleansing and mass atrocities since World War II, reflecting the brutal ethnic tensions that erupted during the disintegration of Yugoslavia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Srebrenica massacre occurred during July 11-22, 1995, when Bosnian Serb forces captured Srebrenica, which had been declared a UN safe area.
2. The massacre was marked by the mass execution of Bosniak men and boys, with victims being taken to nearby fields and summarily killed.
3. This atrocity has been classified as genocide by international courts, marking it as a significant legal precedent in international law regarding human rights violations.
4. Efforts to hold those responsible accountable led to notable trials at the ICTY, with several high-ranking military leaders convicted for their roles in the massacre.
5. The Srebrenica massacre has had lasting impacts on the region's politics, contributing to ongoing ethnic tensions and discussions about accountability and reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Review Questions

• What were the circumstances leading up to the Srebrenica massacre during the Bosnian War?
  • The Srebrenica massacre occurred against a backdrop of escalating ethnic tensions during the Bosnian War, which began in 1992 following Bosnia's independence from Yugoslavia. The town of Srebrenica was declared a UN safe area but lacked adequate protection from the surrounding Bosnian Serb forces. As these forces advanced in July 1995, thousands of Bosniak civilians sought refuge in what they believed was a secure zone, leading to their systematic targeting and eventual massacre.
• Discuss the role of international organizations in responding to the Srebrenica massacre and its implications for future interventions.
  • International organizations, particularly the United Nations, faced significant criticism for their failure to prevent the Srebrenica massacre despite its designation as a safe area. The lack of adequate military response and protection for civilians highlighted serious flaws in peacekeeping operations and prompted reevaluation of international intervention policies. The aftermath led to greater emphasis on responsibility to protect (R2P) principles and increased scrutiny regarding how global entities address mass atrocities.
• Evaluate how the Srebrenica massacre has influenced contemporary discussions about genocide prevention and accountability on a global scale.
  • The Srebrenica massacre has profoundly shaped contemporary discourse around genocide prevention and accountability. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction in the face of ethnic cleansing and mass atrocities. This event has prompted calls for stronger international legal frameworks and mechanisms to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable while also fostering a greater understanding of early warning signs of potential genocides. As nations reflect on this tragedy, it emphasizes a collective responsibility to prevent future atrocities through active engagement and robust international cooperation.

Related terms

Bosnian War:

A conflict that took place from 1992 to 1995, involving the breakup of Yugoslavia and characterized by ethnic strife among Bosniaks, Serbs, and Croats.

Ethnic cleansing: The deliberate removal or extermination of an ethnic or religious group from a certain territory, often involving violent actions and atrocities.

International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY):

A court established by the United Nations to prosecute serious crimes committed during the Yugoslav Wars, including those related to the Srebrenica massacre.