After five years of lobbying by the Canadian – Bosniak community, the Canadian parliament has unanimously adopted the Srebrenica genocide resolution {M-416} recognizing the genocide that happened in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Hercegovine, in 1995
In light of the recent strides that we have made, we would like to inform you about the steps that have led up this important moment
Beginning of the lobbying exactly on the tenth anniversary of genocide in Srebrenica
The lobbying process for this resolution started five years ago, specifically, on the tenth anniversary of the genocide. Then, a member of the parliament – Jean Augustine, the first African American woman in the Canadian parliament, a member of the Liberal party of Canada and a close friend of the Bosniak community, read a statement to the parliament which said: “the massacre in Srebrenica was the worst crime of genocide in Europe since World War II. A resolution, presented by the Congress of North American Bosniaks, for the tenth anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica states that the political aggression and genocide created by the Serbian forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina completely define the crime of genocide from point two: Conventions for preventing and punishing the crime of genocide. Recalling these crimes are still fresh in the hearts and minds of all friends of truth and justice in Canada.”
That same year, then minister of foreign affairs in Canada – Pierre Pettigrew (Liberal Party of Canada) turned to the Canadian public with a statement in the name of the Canadian government which stated: “the massacre in Srebrenica represents the worst crime in Europe since World War II. The best way to pay respects to those who were killed in Srebrenica is to arrest all the architects of the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to put them on trial.”
Canada has a chance to fix its mistake and recognize Genocide in Srebrenica like many other on the international scene
In 2009, Brian Masse, a member of the Canadian parliament (New Democratic Party of Canada) became the parliamentary sponsor of the Srebrenica genocide resolution. At the end of August, 2009, Brian Masse held a press conference in downtown Windsor. At that time, Mr. Masse stated: “Genocide occurred fourteen years ago, and Canada has not paid enough attention to that genocide nor identified the scars and aftermath of that genocide. Today, Canada has a chance to fix this mistake and recognize what many in the international community have already recognized. Victims of this genocide deserve support and help. Everyone needs to learn the lesson from this event because anyone could find themselves in a situation where our voice is not strong enough to prevent such disastrous losses of human life. Furthermore, those who want to prevent such massacres from happening must work on strengthening the lobbying actions against genocide while improving the quality of life of all victims so they can live a normal life. This is not just the case of Bosniaks and Muslims, nor is this just my resolution, a positive result is important. An individual must be able to identify the need to prevent genocide wherever it may be happening. This is why I am proud of the Bosniak community in Canada, they share their openness and progressive nature to work with others to create better standards of live for all people. This guarantees that the job will be well done. Srebrenica is genocide, and there is no debate about it. Since Canada has accepted thousands of Bosniaks, it is the responsibility of this country to protect other nations’ traditions as well as help ease the scars that have been created in their home countries. By passing this resolution, Canada would join other countries on the international scene.”
Resolution M-416 states that Canada, as a member of the international community, has the responsibility to support the decisions of the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia, respect all countries that passed individual resolutions on the Srebrenica genocide, respect international law, and accept information regarding the Srebrenica genocide which has already been declared genocide in international courts. With this resolution we ask that July 11th is declared as a remembrance day for more than 8,000 innocent Bosniak victims of genocide in Srebrenica and that the week of July 11th is declared Bosnia and Hercegovina Tribute week. Through a well organized campaign, the Bosniak community in Canada successfully received support from more than two thirds of the parliament and from three political parties.
Rob Oliphant, a member of the Canadian parliament (Liberal Party of Canada) heard about the initiative from the Congress of North American Bosniaks and the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada and became a sponsor of a private member’s bill for Srebrenica Remembrance Day. By having a remembrance day through a private member’s bill, Canada would become the only country in the world to do that. At a conference in the Canadian parliament, Rob Oliphant stated: “It is an honour to present a bill that will establish a Canadian national day of remembrance for the genocide in Srebrenica that would be marked on July 11th. In July of 1995, over 8,000 Bosniaks were massacred in the Srebrenica Region in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a UN safe area, by the Bosnian Serbs. This was the biggest mass killing in Europe since World War II. The International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice in the Haag concluded that the massacre in Srebrenica is genocide”.
Bosniaks in Canada will never accept a resolution that does not contain the term genocide
Therefore, resolutions that accept this genocide have been voted on in the European and American parliament as well as in the American Senate. Recognizing the devastation caused by the genocide in Srebrenica in July of 1995, this bill would give an opportunity to all Canadians to stand together with the members of the Bosniak-Canadian community to pay respect to the victims who were massacred. Since the fifteenth anniversary of this genocide is fast approaching, I hope that this bill will serve as a step in the right direction which will ultimately provide some comfort for the survivors of this genocide that live here in Canada. May we never allow the memories of those killed in this genocide fade.”
The Conservative party of Canada, along with Prime Minister Stephen Harper, rejected the original resolution proposed by the Bosniak community and proposed a new version. Instead of using the correct term: Bosniak, the party and its leader changed it to “genocide committed on Bosnian peoples”. By using the term “Bosnian people”, the Conservatives were suggesting that victims of this genocide were all the nations who live in Bosnia and Hercegovina. As a result, the number of victims of the Srebrenica genocide was significantly reduced and the term genocide was changed to “mass killings”. Bosniak victims of genocide strongly protested against Conservatives’ altered version of the resolution. As for Harper, he accepted the term Bosniak and the actual number of victims of the genocide in Srebrenica but strongly opposed the use of the term genocide. Bosniaks from Canada believe there is no negotiation when it comes to genocide which was also confirmed by both international courts and in various other documents.
More than twenty countries adopted resolutions in their parliament that declare July 11th as a remembrance day for all victims of genocide in Srebrenica. This once again demonstrates that the Conservative party of Canada is under the influence of Serbian and Russian Canadians. In fact, Serbian Canadians had their own campaign opposing Srebrenica Remembrance Day and, in the parliament, handouts were given against this resolution. In return, the Congress of North American Bosniaks and the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada, along with many Bosniak Canadian citizens, organized the strongest lobby to date to support the original M-416 resolution. Canadian Bosniaks sent a clear message to the Canadian government and to the Canadian parliament: Bosniaks in Canada will never accept a resolution that does not contain the term genocide. Leaving out the word genocide is not just an insult to Bosniak Canadians and all victims of genocide, it is also an insult to human rights. Canadian Bosniaks will not negotiate the term genocide. No one has a right to negotiate in the name of thousands of innocent victims who gave their lives in defence of Bosniaks and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Most prominent individuals from the international law and various human rights organizations support the endeavour of the Bosniak community in Canada so that the truth about the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina and justice for the crime is recognized by the Canadian parliament.
Canadian Bosniaks protected their rights, justice and home land by continuously fighting for the Srebrenica genocide resolution
The adoption of this resolution in Canada will pay respect to the victims of Genocide in Srebrenica and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the same time, adopting this resolution shows the regret Canada feels for not preventing this genocide from happening. This resolution also implies that all human rights abuses must be punished and victims of genocide cannot be forgotten. Survivors of aggression in Bosnia and Herzegovina are aware that the past cannot be changed however it is easier to mourn for the killed ones when there are allies.
Declaring July 11th as Srebrenica Remembrance Day by the Canadian parliament sends a message to past war criminals, current and future war criminals that their crimes will be punished. With this resolution the goal is for every Canadian to know that “what occurred in Srebrenica and Bosnia and Herzegovina is a sin and a crime against humanity.” For that reason, Canada must confront its past actions in Bosnia through this resolution. Canadian Bosniaks have no fear of truth and justice regarding the aggression in Bosnia and Herzegovina or seeking justice for those victims. Through their lobbying actions for this resolution, they fought for human dignity, rights, truth and justice.
The adoption of the resolution is just the beginning of more serious work on informing the Canadian public and Canadian authorities with the dimensions of the aggression on Bosnia and Herzegovina and genocide against Bosniaks. Opportunity for this is already provided in the lobbying for the adoption of Bill, C – 533 an Act respecting a Srebrenica Remembrance Day in Canada.
The Srebrenica genocide resolution has now officially adopted by Canadian parliament. This is the moment that all dedication and hard work of Bosniak – Canadian community has been proven worthwhile. On behave of Bosniak – Canadian community we thank the Canadian government and parliament for finally doing the right thing. Canadian Bosniaks will once again feel proud to be Canadians. We thank to all Canadian Bosniaks who participated in this struggle. Thanks to all friends of truth and justice that us supported these five years, especially in moments when we are exposed to attacks by those who try to deny the genocide. Thanks to the media, who regularly publish results of all our struggles.
Professor, Emir Ramic
Director Institute for Research of Genocide Canada
President of the Governing Board of the Congress of North American Bosniaks, Canadian Branch
http://www.instituteforgenocide.ca/
emir.ramic@instituteforgenocide.ca
The final language of the Motion, M – 416, passed the House of Commons of the Canadian Parliament with unanimous consent
“That, in the opinion of the House, the day of July 11 should be recognized as Srebrenica Remembrance Day in memorial of the Srebrenica Massacre of July of 1995, in which more than 7,000 Bosniak men and boys were executed, declared an act of genocide by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice, and 25,000 others were forcibly removed from their homes by Bosnian Serb forces.”
Statements
With pleasure we received the news that the Canadian Parliament adopted a Resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica. This is a great victory of Bosniaks and their organizations in this country, as it were, in this regard, great resistance and destruction. In this way, another of the major world countries, where lives a large number of Bosnians, a planetary admitted the crime, the largest in Europe after the Second World War – genocide in the Srebrenica safe zone, the United Nations, July 1995. At the same time, these are conditions that eliminate relativism and minimizing the crime, which was in Canada. In these and similar actions will always have our support, where you once again congratulations on your perseverance and tenacity., Prof. Dr. Smail Cekic, Director, Institute for Research of Crimes against Humanity and International Law, University of Sarajevo
Adoption of the Srebrenica genocide Resolution which declares the eleventh day of July of Canada to commemorate the victims of genocide in Srerbenici was a big win of Canadian Bosniaks. Canada joins other countries in solidarity with the victims of crimes of genocide against Bosniaks and showed its reputation as a country that stands for peace, truth and justice and protect human rights and freedoms. Canadian reputation on the international scene with this resolution will be more respected. Adoption of Resolution Canada is sending a clear message to all those who abuse power, human rights and freedoms, will always support peace through justice and truth. Adoption of the Srebrenica Genocide Resolution Canada will become a model and mentor to other countries to accept the resolution on remembrance of the victims of genocide in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Serbs from both Bosnia and Serbia — supported by the Serbian government — killed approximately 250,000 Muslims; raped more than 50,000 Muslim girls and women; imprisoned thousands in concentration camps; maimed and wounded tens of thousands more. The full list of atrocities and their morbid statistics is too long to recount here. In the now-infamous Bosnian town of Srebrenica — which was supposed to be an internationally recognized safe-zone — Serbs slaughtered an estimated 8,000 men and boys for the sole “crime” of being Muslim. All of this unspeakable brutality, this horrendous and obscene waste of humanity, took place right before the eyes of the so-called “civilized” world. What was done to innocent Bosnians by Serb forces meets the definition of genocide as stated in Article 2 of the Convention of the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, which was established in Paris on December 9, 1948 and came into force on January 12, 1951. Traumatic memories of intentionally committed atrocities on Bosniaks are still very much alive in the minds and hearts of those who survived. Even though these massacres happened more than a decade ago, it is not too late for the world to collectively denounce the evil inflicted on innocent people in Bosnia. Both the House and Senate of the U.S. Congress have passed resolutions and the European Parliament did so earlier this year. The Srebrenica genocide resolution is giving Canada the opportunity to stand up and join other countries in solidarity against the heinous crime of genocide and regain our national reputation a true peace-broker in the world. Adopting the resolution by Parliament Canada benefits in many ways: a) Canada’s international image will be respected as it was in the past; b) Canada will send a clear message to all abusers of power that we will always stand for peace through justice; c) Canada will serve as the model and mentor to other countries to follow its path in acknowledging the genocide of innocent Bosnians; and d) Canada will give hope to those whose hope was taken from them. Adopting the Srebrenica genocide resolution by Canadian parliament justice has brought to bear on behalf of all who were so brutally massacred. Dr. Zijad Delic, National Director of the Islamic Congress of Canada
To go forward, Canada must remember Srebrenica. What happened in Srebrenica is a crime, is genocide, is a grave sin for human life and human honor. I do not call for hatred, but invite you to not forget Srebrenica. I do not call for vengeance or punishment, because God will punish all his justice. I call this evil remember to take a lesson from it. No one has the right to required of Bosniaks to remain silent. Srebrenica victims are not just numbers. These are evidence of the disappearance of Bosniak man, Bosniak families, Bosniak generations. Everything can be the subject of compromise, but the Bosniak genocide victims – never. Why? Because without memories of the genocide victims has no Bosniak people. This is the limit which must be established in each Bosniak head. West has been built by the currency, “never again genocide “ from the Second World War, which did not prevent the events in Srebrenica. Srebrenica Holocaust violated the right of existence of the West, and therefore Canada to go forward, Canada must remember Srebrenica. The aim of the action Bosniak-Canadian community for the adoption of the resolution on the genocide in the Canadian Parliament was that Canadians know about the fall of Srebrenica and the negation of Canadian values that these events carry. This includes Canada to undertake initiatives to support this task, to react in a unique way of rehabilitation and the Democratic Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the revision of the Dayton Agreement. The resolution should encourage all participants in the Canadian public life who have social or educational accountability (teachers, researchers, journalists, cultural societies or associations) to achieve that massive and Canadians were interested in the Srebrenica tragedy, and so to convince the world about the dimension of this issue. For Canadian Bosniaks resolution should start work on a strategic vision to develop a culture of memory in the Bosniak being. The resolution should scan the aloofness of the Bosniak victims, because the Bosnian victims of genocide are not subject to oblivion. He who controls the past controls the future. Bosniak victims are the key that locks the Bosniak right to the future. Bosniak’s memory must override the tears, strengthen morale, and solidify the ambition to become an absolute compass in behavior and doing everything to a Bosniak’s way. In each of the Bosniak victims written in our life. The experience of victims to be disseminated through time, space, generation. Today, the victims of genocide, won after a five-year struggle for truth and justice in Canada. Because this is a great day for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Great day for the Bosniaks. Great day for all friends of truth and justice in the world. After five years of great political struggle, the truth about the genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a politically and legally formulated in the Parliament, one of the most developed Western democracies. This resolution is proof that truth and justice worth fighting for. It symbolizes the recognition of Canada that genocide against Bosniaks before the passive eyes of the world. It symbolizes the recognition of Canada, together with other countries is not done all it could to be the greatest human tragedy in Europe since the Second World War prevented. Thank you to all Canadian Bosniaks who participated in this struggle. Thank you to all friends of truth and justice that we all supported these five years, especially in moments when we are exposed to attacks by those who try to deny the genocide. Thanks to the media, who regularly publish results of all our struggles. Emir Ramic, Director Institute for Research of Genocide Canada, President of the Governing Board of the Congress of North American Bosniaks, Canadian Branch
I welcome the decision by the Canadian government to honor of the victims of genocide and aggression which occurred in Srebrenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is extremely important that we continue to remember the victims and talk about the horrible events that made this the worst atrocity in Europe since World War II and the Holocaust. The genocide occurred after the fall of Srebrenica on July 11, 1995 to the Bosnian Serb forces supported Serbian paramilitary forces. Horrific atrocities that occurred afterwards would remain forever on a collective consciousness of the entire world. The Bosnian Serb forces systematically murdered more than 8,000 innocent Bosniak civilians, including new born children, with the intent of eradicating the Bosniak population from Srebrenica and the surrounding villages. Further 30,000 civilians were expelled from their homes, while women were raped, and the entire town set ablaze by terrorizing forces. This event has been classified as genocide by the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice. Both the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives passed resolutions in 2005 acknowledging the genocide that the Serbian forces perpetrated in Srebrenica and all of Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1992-1995. By remembering the victims, we will ensure that we honor them by spreading awareness of genocide cases throughout the world so that what happened in Srebrenica will never happen again, anywhere in the world. But we must not forget other cities and towns in Bosnia which witnessed similar destruction and aggression, places like: Brcko, Doboj, Zepa, Prijedor, Gacko, Trebinje, Foca, Zvornik, Visegrad, Bijeljina, and many others. We must always remember the entire country of Bosnia and Herzegovina whose vote for freedom and democracy was met by brute force, aggression, and hatred. Many war criminals, including Ratko Mladic, general who led attacks on Srebrenica, are still at large. For true peace and reconciliation all war criminals must be brought to justice. It is therefore imperative that we continue to show support for Bosnia so that it will continue strongly on its path to peace, stability, democracy and freedom for all of its citizens. Haris Alibasic, President of the Governing Board of the Congress of North American Bosniaks
I commend the decision of the House of Commons to recognize 11th of July as Srebrenica Remembrance Day. By adopting the modified version of the Resolution, Canada joined the long list of the countries which had stood behind the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia much earlier, soon after it declared execution of more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys an act of genocide., Tajib ef. Pasanbegovic, Head Imam of the Bosniak Community in Canada
Recognize Genocide. Canada is legally bound to recognize genocide against Bosniaks in the time scale of 1992-1995 in general and the genocide in Srebrenica, perpetrated in July of 1995, in particular. At all material times Canada was legally bound, as it is today, by the 1948 Geneva Genocide Convention which stipulates in its first article that member nations are to prevent and punish the crime of genocide. At all material times Canada had its military on the ground in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At all material times Canada had, and availed itself of, the ability to gain information of all of plans and movements of all of the opposing forces on the ground in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is incumbent upon Canada to finally and formally recognize, by way of a parliamentary debate and vote, that genocide was indeed perpetrated against Bosniaks. A formal recognition of that, by a body representative of all, is necessary in order to provide for catharsis on the part of the perpetrators on the one hand, and forgiveness on the part of the victims, their relatives and members of community on the other. Zeljko Milicevic, President of the Justice for Bosnia Task Force
Canada has always been internationally respected for its resolve in the fight for justice and human rights. It has a longstanding history of extending a warmhearted welcome to many who have knocked on her doors in times of desperation. One very recent example of such grace is Canada’s embrace of Bosnian emigrants. Since our arrival to Canada, the Bosnian community has worked very hard to rebuild their lives and integrate themselves into the Canadian social fabric. One very important product of this effort is the founding of the Bosnian Canadian Relief Association (BCRA). The BCRA is a charitable organization focused on humanitarian efforts in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). Formed in the summer of 1992 in response to the humanitarian disaster that followed a genocidal aggression against the civilian population of B&H, the BCRA has since incessantly worked to alleviate the consequences of injustice in the country. Over the last 14 years the BCRA has also meticulously worked on many ongoing and side projects. More importantly, in an effort to contribute to Canada’s truly amazing multicultural mesh, the BCRA actively seeks to educate and share with Canadians the beauty of Bosnian culture and the bloody history which accompanies it. As the official humanitarian organization for the Congress of North American Bosniaks, the BCRA has organized numerous lecture series, panel discussions, and various other gala events. In turn, our humanitarian efforts have been recognized by organizations and dignitaries from Bosnia and the Canadian community alike. In other words, the BCRA actively works on enriching Canadian society by raising awareness for the Bosnian cause. It is in this light that we, the members of the BCRA, appeal to the members of the Canadian Parliament. Help us continue raising awareness and fighting injustice by passing the resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica. Help us make a difference! Today, those Bosnians who once fled their homes and families to start a safer and peaceful life in Canada, compose a unique and very important part of the greater multicultural social fabric that characterizes Canadian society and we as Bosnians are very proud of this integration. Nevertheless, as grateful as we are that Canada has given us the opportunity to contribute to its growth as a nation, we as Bosnians, as a people who have suffered so much injustice at the hands of those who have no respect for human life or dignity are once again knocking on Canada’s door to do the honorable thing and pass the resolution on the genocide of Srebrenica in the Canadian parliament. Members of the Bosnian Canadian Relief Association
Adoption of the resolution in the Canadian parliament is a historical event which won justice, and spoke the truth. With this act, the victims of the Srebrenica genocide will never be forgotten. The world is one step closer to knowing that genocide never forgives the perpetrators and will always be condemned, and the hand of justice, though slow, will always be attainable.Senad Pasalic, Secretary of the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada
Adoption of the resolution means a lot as a man and a Bosnian – Bosniak, because here in Canada where our enemies are very powerful, we were able to sustain and convince the Canadian Parliament and the Canadian government to accept the truth. I hope this will help us in our future work as a Canadian ‘ethnic communities and especially the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada and the Congress of North America., Mirsad Smajic, Member of the Governing Board of the Congress of North American Bosniaks, Canadian Branch
As a young Canadian Bosniak I cannot explain the pride and joy I feel for having July 11th as an official Srebrenica Genocide Remembrance Day. I have been dreaming about the day when this date has an official meaning in Canada for many years. Before I go on, I have to thank all the MP’s and lobbyists that believed in this resolution and all those who supported this cause. You are all an inspiration. Many might think this is just a piece of paper with a few signatures from politicians. For Canadian Bosniaks throughout this country this resolution means so much more. Injustice has been done and genocide committed in my native land and all of us are carrying those scars today. By having an official remembrance day, it demonstrates that the Canadian government acknowledges that genocide was committed by Bosnian Serbs and Serbia proper in Srebrenica. Furthermore Canada is finally stating to the world that its government and people do not tolerate genocide. For the last 15 years we have been mourning for the victims of the Srebrenica genocide and the rest of Bosnia and Herzegovina but the lack of support from the government left us feeling alone and isolated as a community. With an official day of remembrance we will educate Canadians about this genocide and unite with other communities to fight against injustice, war crimes and human rights abuses. We want to send a clear message to all those who commit, are committing and committed genocide that such people will not and are not tolerated in this world. Canada, by giving this day to the Bosniak community, you have gained 50,000 human rights activists who will fight to keep the promise of “Never again” never again. Our goal is to shed light on the events that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina and to demonstrate to victims of genocide and other communities, it is important to talk about the past because that is the only way we will keep the memory of the victims alive. As citizens of a democratic country it is our duty to speak about these issues and fight for truth and justice. I will end by saying Denial is the last step of Genocide. Canada, thank you for accepting the Srebrenica genocide. Aldina Muslija, Member of the Governing Board of the Congress of North American Bosniaks, Canadian Branch, Member of the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada
Just as among different individuals, so as among different political parties and activist groups, resolution of conflicts and problems is best done through negotiations in order to reach certain preferred goals. If we want to see certain changes in the world, we, ourselves, have to be ready to change, thus we have to be ready to work hard. The very beginning of that hard work is based on the will to negotiate i look for solutions which will lead to improvement of the quality of our life (and lives of others), however, we need a lot of patience there. The same case we have here in terms of lobbying for the motion M-416 (Srebrenica Genocide), which was recently passed by Canadian Government. Even though there is only one truth about this sad event, many are freely taking the true facts (testimonies, numbers, perpetrators) and manipulate them to the point that they negate the event ever took place, or they re-victimize those affected by the very same genocide. In order to fight for the truth, Bosniak Community of Canada took an advocacy approach, and in the long process of presenting the facts realized the “conviction” which confirmed the events in and around Srebrenica in July of 1995 to be ones that constitute GENOCIDE. It also clearly states the names of perpetrators, victims, numbers and finally proclaims the Day of Srebrenica Remembrance. This proclamation will b a stepping stone towards even stronger resolution that will follow. In this way Bosniak Community of Canada became a relevant power in lobbying for the “Bosnian matter” and will continue its fight to prevent genocide not only in Bosnia, but also anywhere else in the World. Senad Alicehajic, Bosniak Community Windsor
In Prosecutor v. Krstic, a landmark ruling that put to rest any doubts about the legal character of the massacre, the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia unanimously ruled that it was an act of genocide. The Jewish Holocaust survivor, honorable judge Theodor Meron, presided over the Krstic appeal when the Court established the following facts:“By seeking to eliminate a part of the Bosnian Muslims, the Bosnian Serb forces committed genocide. They targeted for extinction the forty thousand [40,000] Bosnian Muslims living in Srebrenica, a group which was emblematic of the Bosnian Muslims in general. They stripped all the male Muslim prisoners, military and civilian, elderly and young, of their personal belongings and identification, and deliberately and methodically killed them solely on the basis of their identity.The Bosnian Serb forces were aware, when they embarked on this genocidal venture, that the harm they caused w ould continue to plague the Bosnian Muslims. The Appeals Chamber states unequivocally that the law condemns, in appropriate terms, the deep and lasting injury inflicted, and calls the massacre at Srebrenica by its proper name: genocide. Those responsible will bear this stigma, and it will serve as a warning to those who may in future contemplate the commission of such a heinous act.” Daniel Toljaga, Institute for the Research of Genocide, Canada
CHRONOLOGY OF THE CAMPAIGN OF THE BOSNIAK – CANADIAN COMMUNITY FOR ADOPTION SREBRENICA GENOCIDE RESOLUTION IN THE CANADIAN PARLIAMENT
CONGRESS OF NORTH AMERICAN BOSNIAKS, CANADIAN BRANCH {CNABC} AND INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH OF GENOCIDE CANADA {IRGC} LAUNCHED CAMPAIGN FOR ADOPTION SREBRENICA GENOCIDE RESOLUTION IN THE CANADIAN PARLIAMENT
CNAB and IRGC call on the Canadian Parliament and Government to pass Motion, M – 416 and Bill, C – 533
BEGINNING CAMPAIGN FOR ADOPTION OF THE MOTION M – 416
Beginning in July 2005, The Congress of North American Bosniaks, Canadian Branch{CNABC}which represents interests of more than 50.000 Canadians, Bosniak origin launched the Canadian national campaign for adoption of Srebrenica Genocide Resolution. On the tenth anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide, July 11, 2005.
The Hon. Jean Augustine, MP made the statement in the House of Commons of the Canadian Parliament to ensure that the Resolution of the Srebrenica Genocide is on the table in the Canadian Parliament – 38th Parliament, 1st Session, Edited Hansard, Number 124, Contents, Tuesday, June 28, 2005
More: http://www.instituteforgenocide.ca/statement-from-the-hon-jean-augustine-mp/
More: http://openparliament.ca/politicians/3355/
In the same year The Hon. Pierre Pettigrew, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada has issued a statement regarding the 10th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide.
More: http://www.instituteforgenocide.ca/statement-by-pierre-pettigrew-minister-of-foreign-affairs/
More: http://www.patrides.com/july05/ensebrenitsa
LAUNCHING CAMPAIGN FOR ADOPTION OF THE MOTION M – 416
On August 29, 2009, Brian Masse M.P. along with Prof. Emir Ramic, President of the Congress of North American Bosniaks – Canadian Branch and Director of the Institute for Research of genocide Canada , Imam Dr. Zijad Delic, National Director of the Islamic Congress of Canada, the Canadian Bosniak community and many supporters launched the campaign for a Srebrenica Remembrance Day in Canada with the public presentation of a motion M – 416 to be introduced in the House of Commons.
More: http://www.instituteforgenocide.ca/srebrenica-remembrance-day-campaign/#more-140
Brian Masse to lunch Srebrenica Remembrance Day Campaign and Motion
More: http://www.brianmasse.ca/node/1060
INTRODUCTION OF THE MOTION M – 416 IN THE CANADIAN PARLIAMENT
Motion – M – 416 — September 10, 2009 — Mr. Masse (Windsor West) — That, in the opinion of the House, the government should declare the day of July 11 as Srebrenica Remembrance Day and the week of July 11 as Bosnia and Herzegovina Tribute Week in memorial of the Srebrenica Massacre of July 1995, in which more than 8,000 Bosniak civilians were executed under the policy of ethnic cleansing, the worst act of genocide in Europe since the Second World War, and 30,000 others were expelled from their homes by Serbian forces.
More: Order Paper and Notice Paper No. 80
MOTION M – 416 SECONDED
M 416 Mr. Masse (Windsor West) — Srebrenica massacre — Notice — September 10, 2009 Pursuant to Standing Order 86(3), jointly seconded by: Mr. Siksay (Burnaby—Douglas) and Ms. Charlton (Hamilton Mountain) Chris — October 6, 2009
More: Order Paper and Notice Paper No. 80
WORLD INTELLECTUALS URGE CANADIAN PARLIAMENT TO ADOPT MOTION M – 416
Members of the International Team of Experts of the Institute for the Research of Genocide Canada express support for Motion M – 416 on Genocide in Srebrenica. The Motion has support from: the Liberal Party of Canada, New Democratic Party of Canada, Blok Quebecois, Green Party of Canada, the Islamic and Jewish Congress of Canada, the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada, the Congress of North American Bosniaks, many organizations for the protection of human rights and freedom in Canada and in the world. World Intellectuals Urge Canadian Parliament to Adopt Srebrenica Genocide Motion (M-416). With Motion-M – 416 , the Canadian Parliament and Government are observing the 15th anniversary of the genocide committed in the Bosnian city of Srebrenica in July 1995, and expressing support for the designation of “Srebrenica Remembrance Day” in Canada. Affirmation of the Canadian Record on the Srebrenica Genocide Resolution calls upon the Canadian Parliament and Government to ensure that Canadian foreign policy reflects appropriate understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the Canada record relating to the Srebrenica Genocide.
SUPPORTERS OF THE MOTION M – 416 IN THE CANADIAN PARLIAMENT
The Motion has support from: the Liberal Party of Canada, New Democratic Party of Canada, Blok Quebecois.
More: http://www.instituteforgenocide.ca/supporters-of-motion-m-416-in-the-parliament-of-canada/
Letter from Prof. Smail Cekic to Canadian Parliament
More: http://www.instituteforgenocide.ca/letter-from-prof-smail-cekic-to-canadian-parliament/#more-1086
Letter from Prof. David Pettigrew to Canadian Parliament
More: http://www.instituteforgenocide.ca/letter-of-prof-david-pettigrew-for-canadian-parliament/#more-1046
Letter from Prof. Francis A. Boyle to Canadian Parliament
CANADIAN BOSNIAK COMMUNITY DO NOT ACCEPT MOTION M – 416 WITHOUT THE INCLUSION OF THE TERM “GENOCIDE”
Canadian Bosniaks do not accept Motion M – 416 without the inclusion of the term “genocide”.
Motion M 416 is about the crime of genocide against Bosniaks at Srebrenica.
Letter to Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada
More: http://www.instituteforgenocide.ca/letter-to-stephen-harper-prime-minister-of-canada/#more-1546
Press release – Bosnian Community in Canada
More: http://www.instituteforgenocide.ca/press-release-%E2%80%93-bosnian-community-in-canada/#more-1536
Final negotiated version of the Motion- M – 416
More: http://www.instituteforgenocide.ca/research/motion%E2%80%94m-416/page/2/
CNABC AND IRGC DISAPPOINTED WITH PRIME MINISTER HARPER’S SHAMEFUL VETO OF THE MOTION M – 416
CNABC and IRGC disappointed with Prime Minister Harper’s shameful veto of the motion to remember the Srebrenica Genocide
Statements by prominent experts in international law, humanists and statesmen regarding the Conservative Party of Canada refusal to allow an all-party Motion M – 416 on the Srebrenica genocide in Canadian Parliament
Members of the Canadian Parliament demand Harper recognize The Srebrenica Genocide
More: http://www.instituteforgenocide.ca/mps-demand-harper-recognize-the-srebrenica-genocide-2/
Members of the Canadian Parliament demand Harper recognize the Srebrenica Genocide
More: http://www.brianmasse.ca/node/1141
INTRODUCING THE BILL C – 533 AN ANCT RESPECTING SREBRENICA GENOCIDE
Honourable Rob Oliphant, Member of the Canadian Parliament and Member of the Liberal Party of Canada on June 10th introduced Bill C – 533, an Act respecting a Srebrenica Remembrance Day
Introducing the Bill C-533, Third Session, Fortieth Parliament, 59 Elizabeth II, 2010, , House of Commons of Canada, An Act respecting a Srebrenica Remembrance Day, first reading, June 10, 2010
An Act respecting a Srebrenica Remembrance Day, introduced by Mr Oliphant on June 10th:
More: http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Docid=4610579&file=4
More: http://openparliament.ca/hansards/2279/9/
Comments by Mr Oliphant on June 10th in the House of Commons:
Rob Oliphant holds a press conference introducing his bill, Bill C-533, – Rob Oliphant MP Introduces Bill C-533 – Rob Oliphant holds a press conference introducing his bill, Bill C-533,, An Act Respecting a Srebrenica Remembrance Day.
More: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzaHwfSrxl8
Robert Oliphant, MP Press Release – Presents Bill Calling for Srebrenica Remembrance Day, Blasts Government for their Inaction
More: http://www.roboliphantmp.ca/Press-Release-2010-06-10.php
Bill C – 533 seconding by Hon the hon. Libby Davies, member For Vancouver East
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased this morning to introduce a bill that seeks to establish a national Srebrenica remembrance day to be held every July 11. I thank my colleague the hon. Libby Davies, member For Vancouver East for seconding the bill.
CANADIANS REMEMBERING SREBRENICA GENOCIDE PROMOTING EDUCATION, REMEMBRANCE AND RESEARCH OF THE SREBRENICA GENOCIDE
July 11th 2010 marked the 15th anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide. In commemoration of this tragedy Toronto’s Bosnian community hosted a series of well organized and well received events: a photo exhibit at the Gladstone Hotel, a silent march in downtown Toronto, and a commemoration ceremony in Etobicoke. Events were organized in partnership with the Congress of North American Bosniaks and the Institute for the Research of Genocide-Canada. The Bosnian Community of Toronto hosted a number of events to Commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the Srebrenica, Bosnia & Hercegovinia Genocide. We were honoured to be a part of it, to capture moments of remembrance for a time in history that must never be forgotten and never again repeated anywhere to anyone. In partnership with the Congress of North American Bosniaks and the Institute for the Research of Genocide-Canada, the Southern Ontario Bosniak community hosted a series of well organized and well received events: a photo exhibit at the Gladstone Hotel, a silent march in downtown Toronto as well as a commemoration ceremony in Etobicoke this past weekend on the 15th year anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide. All information is available at srebrenica.ca.
More: http://www.instituteforgenocide.ca/toronto-canada-15th-commemoration-of-srebrenica-genocide/
Statements by the Members of the Canadian Parliament at the Srebrenica Genocide Commemoration in Toronto: The 15th Anniversary
Statement by Borys Wrzesnewskyj
STATEMENT OF CNABC AND IRGC REGARDING STATEMENT OF THE FOREIGN MINISTER OF CANADA
Canada Commemorates 15th Anniversary of Srebrenica Genocide – (No. 217 – July 10, 2010 – 12:30 p.m. ET) The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre:
More: http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2010/217.aspx?
More: http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2010/217.aspx?lang=eng
More: http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2010/217.aspx?lang=fra
Statement of the Congress of North American Bosniaks, Canadian Branch and the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada regarding Statement of the Foreign Minister of Canada Lawrence Cannon
Canada condemns the atrocities committed in Srebrenica in July 1995, as well as all other forms of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide
CANADA CONDEMNS THE ATROCITIES COMMITED IN SREBRENICA IN JULY 1995, AS WELL AS ALL OTHER FORMS OF WAR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY AND GENOCIDE
More: http://www.instituteforgenocide.ca/research/motion%E2%80%94m-416/
Response from Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Congress of North American Bosniaks Canadian Branch and Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina
More: http://www.instituteforgenocide.ca/response-from-the-minister-of-foreign-affairs/
CURRENT STATUS
Upon its introduction it was referred to the House of Commons of Canada, Motion M – 416 was sent back for a full house vote sometimes after September 20, 2010.
After its first reading in the House of Commons of Canada Bill C – 533 is awaiting its second reading in the House.
Please join CNABC and IRGC in our campaign to encourage Canadian Parliament and Government to take a firm stand against the unspeakable horrors of Srebrenica Genocide.
CNAB AND IRGC CINTINUE TO CAMPAIGN FO THE ADOPTION OF MOTION AND BILL
CNABC and IRGC on behalf of the Bosniak-Canadian community continue to campaign for the adoption of the motion M- 416 and the Bill C – 533 in the Canadian Parliament
Canadian Bosniaks do not accept Motion M – 416 without the inclusion of the term “genocide”
The Genocide Prevention Group Solemnly Commemorates Srebrenica Remembrance Day
The Letter of the Canadian-Bosniak Community to the Members of the House of Commons and Senate of the Canadian Parliament
The Letter of CNABC and IRGC to the Right Honourable Prime Minister Stephen Harper
The Letter of CNABC and IRGC to the Honourable Lawrence Cannon
More: http://www.instituteforgenocide.ca/the-letter-of-cnabc-and-irgc-to-the-honourable-lawrence-cannon/
The Government of Canada would support a parliamentary resolution recognizing and commemorating the Srebrenica Genocide
Bosniak – Canadian Community accepts the proposed resolution that was submitted for our consideration by Conservative Government of Canada