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News | 11-07-2024 | 17:53
“It is vital that war criminals do not go unpunished.” Gijs Tuinmann said this today in his first speech as Minister of Defence. He attended the national commemoration of the Srebrenica genocide in Langevinhout, The Hague. He addressed around 200 Bosnian Dutch people, including relatives of the victims, on behalf of the Cabinet.
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“The Netherlands and Bosnia and Herzegovina share a common history and are forever linked,” Tuinman told the audience. “This cabinet also stands with you in your remembrance, mourning and search for recognition.”
Tuinman says the horrors of Srebrenica shaped him as a person and as a soldier. As a 15-year-old student, he learned about the war in the former Yugoslavia through letters written to her mother by the daughter of a family friend. She was a member of the United Nations Protection Force (Unprofor). “It touched me that aid convoys were stopped and even taken hostage. I sat on my sofa in Holland and could do nothing.”
He said Srebrenica influenced Tuinman’s career choice. “For 30 years I have been committed to fighting injustice. As a soldier and now as a state secretary. I have a new role, but the mission is the same.”
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Official Memorial Day
Tensions are rising again in the Balkans. This also applies to racial rhetoric and genocide denial. The United Nations recently declared July 11 as the official commemoration day of the Srebrenica genocide. This day is now internationally recognized.
The Netherlands also supports the sovereignty and independence of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Currently, 150 Dutch marines are taking part in the EU force (Eufor) Althea mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They contribute to political and social stability.
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Final resting place
Today, 14 newly identified victims will be buried in the large cemetery in Potocari. Gardener: “Each new grave marks the final resting place. Each new identification brings some peace and comfort to the relatives. For 29 years they have been looking for this.”
The Netherlands is involved in Srebrenica in many ways, including as host to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. “The law is in place,” Tuinman said. “The main person responsible for the genocide, Ratko Mladic, is currently spending his time in Scheveningen prison. Today, our thoughts are with the more than 8,000 fathers, sons, brothers, cousins and friends who have passed away. We commemorate, remember and reflect.”
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