Serb nationalists are still trying to undermine the stability of the Western Balkans, to sow hatred and discord. According to the Society for Threatened Peoples (STP), this has not changed significantly during the 27 years since the genocide in Srebrenica: "One year ago, it was made illegal to deny the genocide crimes. However, the convicted perpetrators are still admired in the Serb-dominated part of Bosnia, the Republika Srpska. At least 40 related criminal charges were filed during the last twelve months – but none of them were actually prosecuted," stated Belma Zulcic, head of the STP's section in Bosnia and Herzegovina. "Instead, Serb politicians are trying to paralyze and sabotage the Bosnian state. They are blocking progress regarding a possible accession to the EU and, thus, steps towards lasting peace in the entire region."

A total number of 50 recently identified victims of the massacre will be buried on July 11, 2022. So far, it was possible to recover and identify 6.652 victims from single and mass graves – around 80 percent of the victims of the genocide. Many more unassigned bones and fragments have been found. "Many of the perpetrators are still living in the Republika Srpska and in Serbia – undisturbed. They are unwilling to disclose the locations of further mass graves, which are assumed to contain the remains of almost 2,200 victims," Zulcic added. "Mothers, Sisters, and wives of the victims will pass away without having found and buried the remains of their loved ones."

The organizers of this year's ceremony are planning to honor especially the women of Srebrenica. The women played an important role in identifying missing persons, in researching the genocide crimes, in persecuting those who are responsible, and in running the memorial site in Potocari as well as countless initiatives. Their tireless efforts in the name of justice must be acknowledged. 

The survivors of Srebrenica are supported by the World Jewish Congress – and Menachem Z. Rosensaft, the vice chairman, will take part in the ceremony in Potocari on July 11. The art installation "Majcina Marama" will help to keep the memory alive, even beyond the borders of Bosnia. It consists of headscarves and shawls of the women of Srebrenica, representing their individual experiences and stories. Many celebrities from the country and from abroad had contributed garments. The installation was presented in the course of an international conference focusing on the women heroes of Srebrenica. About 4,000 to 5,000 people have registered for the annual peace march on the occasion of the anniversary. Most of them will start marching in Nezuk, heading to Potocari.