ROUNDTABLE “UNLEARNED LESSONS FROM MODERN HISTORY” HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SARAJEVO

On December 9, 2025, the University of Sarajevo hosted a roundtable entitled “Unlearned Lessons from Modern History” in the ceremonial hall of the Rectorate. The event was organized by the University’s Institute for Research of Crimes Against Humanity and International Law on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide.

The roundtable was opened by the Rector, Prof. Dr. Tarik Zaimović, who emphasized the importance of commemorating genocide anniversaries and the need to reflect on lessons yet unlearned. Dr. Muamer Džananović, Director of the Institute, delivered the opening address, highlighting the complexity of genocide, the importance of its multidimensional understanding, and the significance of ICTY and International Court of Justice rulings, which for the first time held a state accountable for violating the Genocide Convention.

The first panel featured: Prof. Dr. Enis Omerović on the impact of the Genocide Convention on the modern international order; Dr. Sabina Subašić Galijatović on the history and necessity of interpreting the Convention; Prof. Dr. Hariz Halilović on the anthropology of genocide and the concept of cosmological destruction; Dr. Merisa Karović Babić on the progression from slow genocide in Srebrenica to events in Gaza; and Dr. Elvedin Mulagić on the genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda.

The second panel included: Dr. Sabahudin Šarić on the retreat of law before ideology; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sunčica Hajdarović on the importance of sanctioning genocide denial; Dr. Almir Grabovica on the role of German courts in prosecuting genocide in Bosnia and Herzegovina; Dr. Jasmin Medić on propaganda and dehumanization in the Holodomor, Holocaust, and genocide against Bosniaks; and Mr. Lamija Muftić on international judicial practice in the context of crimes in Palestine.

The roundtable was attended by members of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, faculty deans, institute directors, professors, and other members of the academic community, with special participation from students. The event facilitated knowledge exchange and education, aiming to strengthen awareness of contemporary challenges in prosecuting genocide and applying international law.