Srebrenica

Definition

Srebrenica is a town in Bosnia and Herzegovina that became synonymous with one of the most devastating atrocities of the Bosnian War, where more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were systematically killed by Bosnian Serb forces in July 1995. This event highlighted the failures of the international community, particularly the United Nations, in protecting civilians and intervening effectively during armed conflicts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Srebrenica was declared a 'safe area' by the United Nations in 1993, which was supposed to provide protection for civilians amid the conflict.
2. The massacre at Srebrenica occurred despite the presence of Dutch peacekeepers, who were unable to prevent the atrocities due to a lack of resources and authority.
3. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) later ruled that the killings at Srebrenica constituted genocide.
4. The event led to increased scrutiny of the UN's role in peacekeeping and its ability to protect vulnerable populations during conflicts.
5. In 2005, July 11 was designated as a day of remembrance for the victims of the Srebrenica massacre, highlighting its significance in world history.

Review Questions

• How did the events in Srebrenica reflect the limitations of UN peacekeeping missions during conflicts?
  • The events in Srebrenica revealed significant shortcomings in UN peacekeeping missions, particularly regarding their ability to protect civilians. Despite being designated as a safe area, the town was overrun by Bosnian Serb forces, and Dutch peacekeepers were unable to intervene effectively due to insufficient mandates and resources. This failure raised critical questions about the UN's capacity and commitment to enforce peace and protect vulnerable populations in wartime.
• Discuss the implications of the Srebrenica massacre on international humanitarian law and genocide prevention.
  • The Srebrenica massacre had profound implications for international humanitarian law and efforts to prevent genocide. It brought attention to the necessity for stronger mechanisms to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes and genocide. Additionally, it underscored the need for timely international intervention when warnings of mass atrocities arise, leading to discussions on reforming international norms and response strategies for preventing similar tragedies in the future.
• Evaluate how the legacy of Srebrenica continues to influence contemporary discussions about state responsibility and intervention in human rights violations.
  • The legacy of Srebrenica remains a critical reference point in contemporary discussions about state responsibility and intervention in cases of human rights violations. It highlights the moral obligation of states and international organizations to prevent genocide and protect civilians during conflicts. The lessons learned from Srebrenica have spurred debates on concepts like 'Responsibility to Protect' (R2P), emphasizing that sovereign states must protect their populations from mass atrocities or face international intervention. This ongoing dialogue reflects an evolving understanding of sovereignty and humanitarian obligations in an increasingly interconnected world.

Related terms

Bosnian War: A conflict that took place from 1992 to 1995 following the breakup of Yugoslavia, characterized by ethnic tensions among Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs.

Genocide: The intentional action to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group in whole or in part, which was recognized in the case of Srebrenica.

United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR): A United Nations peacekeeping force deployed in the former Yugoslavia during the Bosnian War with a mandate to ensure safe areas for civilians.