Justice For All Condemns UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s Remarks Dismissing Genocide Criteria

For Immediate Release

Contact: Hena Zuberi

hena@justiceforall.org

(202) 922-5878

[New York, November 1, 2024] – Justice For All, a human rights organization committed to promoting justice and accountability, expresses grave concern over recent remarks by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy regarding the Srebrenica genocide. Lammy’s comments suggested that genocide is defined only by death tolls in the millions, a statement that disrespects survivors and misrepresents the legal and historical understanding of genocide.

The Srebrenica massacre, during which over 8,000 Bosniaks were systematically killed in 1995, stands as a horrific symbol of the Bosnian genocide, in which over 100,000 Bosniak Muslims were murdered and 50,000 women were raped. The UN and international bodies officially recognize this tragedy, defining genocide by the “intent to destroy” a group “in part,” per the UN Genocide Convention. In 2005, the UN General Assembly designated July 11 as the “International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica,” with the UK voting in favor of the resolution.

Imam Saffet Catovic, Director of UN Operations at Justice For All and former Bosnian diplomat, stated: “The Foreign Secretary’s remarks display a troubling ignorance about the gravity of the Bosnian genocide and Britain’s role in it. Many studies show that UK inaction contributed to the atrocities committed against unarmed Bosnian civilians. Denying the nature of these crimes perpetuates the denial that survivors still face, especially from the Serbian government.”

Justice For All’s President, Imam Malik, whose advocacy began with efforts to end the Bosnian genocide, remarked, “It is especially concerning that Secretary Lammy’s statements reflect a broader misunderstanding of ongoing atrocities, including those faced by the Rohingya in Myanmar and Palestinians in Gaza.”

Foreign Secretary Lammy’s comments have drawn widespread criticism, including from British MP Chris Law, who highlighted how these remarks reveal a disregard for the suffering of genocide victims.

Genocide, as defined in the Genocide Convention and the Rome Statute, is not solely about numbers but about the intent to eliminate a group. Justice For All calls on Secretary Lammy to reconsider his stance and issue a public apology to honor genocide victims and survivors globally. We urge the UK government to stand resolute against genocide denial and uphold its commitments to international law and justice.

About Justice For All

Justice For All is a human rights organization dedicated to promoting justice, accountability, and human dignity for oppressed communities worldwide. Founded to respond to injustices like the Bosnian genocide, Justice For All works through advocacy, education, and media engagement to uphold the rights of marginalized groups, including Rohingya Muslims, Uyghurs, Kashmiris, and Palestinians. With consultative status at the United Nations, Justice For All collaborates with policymakers, grassroots organizations, and faith communities to combat genocide, religious persecution, and human rights abuses globally. Our mission is rooted in a commitment to universal human rights, standing firmly against oppression and working tirelessly to bring justice and awareness to those who need it most.

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