The Institute for Research on Crimes Against Humanity and International Law at the University of Sarajevo presents a new edition of "Politics of Revisionism: Denial of Crimes and Genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992–2025)". This research study, authored by Dr. Jasmin Medić, Dr. Hikmet Karčić, Dr. Muamer Džananović, and Dr. Elvedin Mulagić, thoroughly analyzes the long-standing and deeply concerning phenomenon of denial of war crimes and genocide committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The study has been reviewed by Prof. Dr. Ehlimana Memišević and Prof. Dr. Amer Osmić, with editing by Dr. Merisa Karović-Babić. This research study identifies the existence of a consistent and systematic strategy of denial concerning the crimes and genocide committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina during the period 1992–1995. The analysis of cases from Sarajevo, Srebrenica, Tuzla, and Prijedor reveals that such denial is neither sporadic nor the result of isolated acts, but rather part of a broader political and ideological strategy aimed at rewriting historical facts and relativizing crimes that have been judicially proven. Revisionist narratives are actively employed as tools of political destabilization, further exacerbating the socio-political situation not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina but across the entire region.
The authors argue that it is essential to analyze these phenomena, as they represent one of the key sources of political instability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study traces the chronology of denial politics, beginning with the initial cases in 1992, and outlines how this policy has been persistently pursued by political elites in the Republic of Serbia and the entity of Republika Srpska within Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study concludes with an analysis of the political response to the United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted on May 23, 2024, which declared July 11 as the International Day of Reflection and Remembrance of the Srebrenica Genocide.
Given the above, it is evident that the fight against genocide denial and the denial of other war crimes is of critical importance—not only for justice and the memory of the victims but also for long-term regional stability and peacebuilding in the Balkans and throughout Europe. An effective strategy to confront these challenges must include the strengthening of legal frameworks, reform of educational systems, international diplomatic initiatives, and the continuous engagement of civil society in combating historical revisionism and propaganda.
At the conclusion of the study, the authors offer concrete recommendations for addressing institutionalized denial of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
The research study is indexed in CEEOL – Central and Eastern European Online Library.
The promotion of the study will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the University of Sarajevo Rectorate Hall. The event is organized to mark the first anniversary of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution proclaiming July 11 as the International Day of Reflection and Remembrance of the Srebrenica Genocide, adopted in 2024.
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