Urgent Call for Action to Prevent a Return to War and Genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Justice For All is deeply alarmed by the escalating crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as Republika Srpska’s leadership, under Milorad Dodik, threatens to unravel decades of fragile peace. As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, we cannot ignore the dangerous steps being taken to dismantle the Dayton Peace Agreement and undermine Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty. The international community must act immediately to prevent a return to violence, instability, and the risk of another genocide.

The Urgency of the Situation

Between 1992-1995, over 100,000 Bosnian Muslims were killed, including 8,000 men and boys in the Srebrenica genocide alone. Today, approximately 80,000 Bosnian Muslims remain in Republika Srpska under increasing threats to their safety and fundamental rights. The recent closure of the Srebrenica Memorial Centre is an alarming attempt to erase history, deny genocide, and silence the voices of survivors. This move is part of a broader campaign by Serb nationalist leaders to rewrite history and dismantle Bosnia and Herzegovina’s multi-ethnic and pluralistic identity.

Dodik’s Dangerous Agenda

Milorad Dodik, the president of Republika Srpska, continues to defy the authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s High Representative and its Constitutional Court. His attempt to adopt a new constitution for Republika Srpska—annulling key provisions of the Dayton Agreement—is a direct attack on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty. Dodik’s open secessionist threats, refusal to comply with court rulings, and reliance on support from Russia and Serbia create an imminent risk of renewed conflict.

Imam Saffet Catovic, Director of United Nations Operations for Justice For All and former Bosnia and Herzegovina diplomat, stated:

“The international community must actively support investigating and prosecuting those who violate international law, including promoting hate speech, genocide denial, revisionism, and secessionist agendas—no exceptions. The world must honor Bosnia’s genocide victims by ensuring peace, justice, and accountability in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”

Call to Action

Justice For All urges immediate international intervention:

UN Security Council Action: Convene an emergency session to enforce compliance with the Dayton Agreement, affirm the High Representative’s authority, and reinforce EUFOR’s peacekeeping mandate.

U.S. Leadership: The United States must unequivocally support Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty, broaden targeted sanctions against Dodik and his allies, freeze their assets, and reinforce NATO’s stance.

EUFOR Reinforcement: The European Union must expand the presence and mandate of EUFOR peacekeepers to deter secessionist moves and potential violence.

Protection of the Srebrenica Memorial: The international community must guarantee the security and accessibility of the Srebrenica Memorial Centre, especially in this critical anniversary year.

Accountability for Dodik: The international community, including Interpol, must support Bosnia and Herzegovina prosecutors’ arrest warrants for Dodik and his allies. His violations of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s legal order must be met with swift action.

Mobilization of International Justice Mechanisms: The ICC, ICJ, and MICT must ensure accountability for inciting violence, genocide denial, and undermining peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A Time for Moral Courage

Thirty years ago, Justice For All mobilized the Bosnia Task Force (BTF), a coalition of U.S. Muslim organizations that pushed for international action, including lifting the UN arms embargo and recognizing rape as a war crime. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to preventing genocide and ensuring justice in Bosnia.

Imam Mujahid Malik, President of Justice For All, emphasized:

“The international community cannot afford to remain silent as Bosnia and Herzegovina teeters on the brink of another catastrophic conflict. The lessons of Srebrenica must not be forgotten. We must act now to prevent history from repeating itself.”

Justice For All stands with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina and calls on world leaders to act decisively before it is too late.