Peace March Honors Srebrenica Genocide Victims
Poinews.com – Thousands of participants took part in a commemorative walk across Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, beginning at sunrise. The event marks the 22nd edition of the annual peace march, which retraces the harrowing path of survivors from the 1995 genocide. Attendees hailed from across Bosnia and Herzegovina and international locations. Their participation aimed to honor both the victims and the survivors who endured days of perilous escape during the July 1995 events.
A Journey Through History
Over three days, the marchers will traverse 100 kilometers, visiting key locations tied to the atrocities. These include sites where mass killings occurred and areas where mass graves were uncovered. The final leg of the journey will bring participants to Potocari, near Srebrenica, on the eve of the genocide’s anniversary. This year’s route underscores the enduring legacy of the tragedy and the resilience of those who endured it.
“I’m here to feel the pain and the silence,” said Ibis Husejnovic, reflecting on the emotional weight of the march. For Raifa Duzic, the event is a personal connection: “I want to experience a fragment of what those fleeing for their lives endured.” She emphasized the importance of keeping the memory alive.
The genocide in July 1995 saw the Bosnian Serb army seize control of Srebrenica, leading to the brutal execution of over 8,000 men and boys. Approximately 25,000 women, children, and elderly members of the Bosniak Muslim community were also displaced during the conflict. The march serves as a powerful reminder of this chapter in European history, uniting people in solidarity and remembrance.
