By Merve Aydogan
HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The US and Canada on Thursday commemorated the Srebrenica genocide, which took place 29 years ago in 1995 in eastern Bosnia.
Honoring the victims and survivors, both countries highlighted the significance of the day as the first International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica, designated by the UN.
"The American people join the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina in honoring and mourning the more than 8,000 men and boys who were murdered in July 1995," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.
Miller emphasized the solidarity of the American people with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, honoring the memory of those lost and standing with the families still seeking justice.
"On this solemn day, it is fitting that we resolve to condemn genocide denial and rededicate ourselves to working across the international community to prevent future mass atrocities," he said.
He also reaffirmed the US commitment to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in its pursuit of "a brighter and more just future."
Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly separately noted the profound effect of the genocide, which saw the displacement of more than 20,000 women and children.
"Today, we honor the memory of the victims of the massacre and acknowledge the deep and embedded emotional scars carried by survivors and their loved ones, as they continue to try to heal from this tragic event," Joly said in a statement.
Hailing the "extraordinary courage and resilience" of survivors, Joly reiterated Canada's support for their ongoing fight for justice.
Pointing to current geopolitical tensions in the Western Balkans, Joly underscored Canada's commitment to defending the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the war, and the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
She reaffirmed Canada's support for NATO's presence in the region to ensure peace and stability.
"As we mark the 75th anniversary of NATO this week in Washington, Canada will also continue to support NATO’s presence in the Western Balkans in order to uphold peace and stability in the region," she said, emphasizing the importance of remembrance, justice and the prevention of future atrocities.
"We must never forget Srebrenica," she said.