Azir Osmanovic, curator of the Srebrenica Memorial Center, survived the genocide in Srebrenica. He was only 13 years old when his childhood was interrupted and he had to grow up overnight. Yesterday he addressed the United Nations (UN), and his speech caused deep emotions. Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Ambassador to the UN Zlatko Lagumdzija cried, and others applauded for a long time.

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In his address, Azir Osmanovic stated that he devoted his life to collecting material and other evidence about the disappearance of his community, the Bosnian Muslims in and around Srebrenica. Despite everything he experienced, he returned to Srebrenica and lives there with his wife and three children. 

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"Ladies and gentlemen,
On behalf of the survivors of genocide, on behalf of all who work in the name of justice and peace, of preserving truth – I urge you to adopt this resolution. The thousands of innocent lives lost during the Srebrenica genocide can never be recovered, and the wounds of those they left behind can never be fully healed. However, with this resolution, you have the opportunity to honor the lives of the thousands who were unjustly killed and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have been unjustly robbed of everyone and everything they hold dear. You, as Member states of the UN, have the opportunity to put an end to genocide denial and stop the glorification of violence. To help our struggle to find the remains of our loved ones so that they may be laid to a dignified rest. To impart the lessons of Srebrenica to the world and ensure a more peaceful future for our children. By designating July 11 th as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica, you confirm the judicially established facts of the Srebrenica genocide and stand on the side of truth and justice.

Excellencies, dear friends,
Thank you.