Justice for All Canada: Acknowledging the Bosnian Genocide Legacy and Contemporary Genocide in Palestine​

As we commemorate the 29th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, Justice For All Canada solemnly reflects on the atrocities committed by Serb forces against the Bosnian Muslim community. In July 1995, over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were systematically murdered by the Bosnian Serb army in Srebrenica, and over 20,000 individuals were expelled in what the United Nations has recognized as the worst crime on European soil since the Second World War. In the three years preceding the genocide, an estimated 100,000 people were killed, 80% of those individuals being Bosniaks, up to 50,000 women were raped, and 2.2 million people became refugees. The unchecked display of gender-based violence, ethnic hatred and nationalistic extremism led to devastating consequences, leaving communities in perpetual mourning. 

Thirty years ago, Justice For All played a significant role during the Bosnian genocide through the formation of the Bosnia Task Force (BTF). This coalition of ten Muslim organizations across the United States mobilized to demand action from the American government and the international community. BTF's efforts were multifaceted, ranging from lobbying for the lifting of the UN arms embargo on Bosnia to advocating for the recognition of rape as a war crime. The task force galvanized support through grassroots mobilization, engaging with senators, organizing rallies, and directly communicating with the White House. These actions contributed to the eventual US intervention that played a critical role in halting the genocide.

Despite these efforts, the scars of Srebrenica remain. Thousands of families still lack closure and justice as they seek the remains of their loved ones, such as the recent burial of 14 newly identified victims of the Srebrenica genocide. Many of those who committed atrocity crimes were never convicted.  “Today, we have enduring pain and unresolved grief that is still felt by survivors. Over thirty years later, we continue to stand in solidarity with these families and reaffirm our commitment to challenging genocides and ensuring that such atrocities are never forgotten,” said Taha Ghayyur, Executive Director of Justice For All Canada. 

As we remember Srebrenica, we must also acknowledge the ongoing genocide in Palestine. The parallels between the denial of the Srebrenica genocide and the current situation in Palestine are profoundly troubling. The international community's failure to recognize and act against Israel’s organized bombardment in Gaza perpetuates a familiar cycle of violence and impunity; over 38,345 Palestinians have been killed and 88,295 wounded in the past 9 months. As of early November, the Israeli Prison Service was holding 6,809 prisoners following a significant increase in the arbitrary detention and torture of Palestinians. Amnesty International has documented cases of severe beatings, forced strip searches, and other forms of degrading treatment. 

Since the forced expulsion of 750,000 Palestinians in 1948 Nakba, the systematic erasure and destruction of Palestinian lives, land, and culture have continued unabated. Israel’s most recent bombardments have resulted in the deaths of over 11,000 Palestinians, including more than 4,000 children, in just 37 days.

Genocide denial, whether in Srebrenica or Gaza, enables these atrocities to persist. Justice For All Canada calls upon the Canadian government to unequivocally condemn the genocide in Palestine and to take immediate action to protect civilian lives. The lessons from Srebrenica teach us that "never again" has failed to proactively apply or amount to decisive intervention against all forms of genocide, particularly in Palestine. We urge Canadian Ministers and Members of Parliament to honour the memory of Srebrenica by recognizing the Palestinian genocide, and to act swiftly to end the violence. 

Justice For All Canada remains dedicated to defending minority rights, challenging genocides, and saving lives through education, action, and advocacy.