Unveiling of the “Flower of Srebrenica” at United Nations Headquarters

The ceremony was led by Melissa Fleming, Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, and featured remarks by:

• Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, speaking on behalf of the UN Secretary-General,

• His Excellency Denis Bećirović, Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Chaloka Beyani, Special Adviser of the Secretary-General for the Prevention of Genocide

Munira Subašić, President of the Association "Mothers of the Srebrenica and Žepa Enclaves", shared her testimony about the immense personal loss she endured and the decades-long struggle of the Mothers of Srebrenica for justice, truth, and the dignity of victims. Together with high-level dignitaries, she participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially unveiling the memorial.

The ceremony was attended by numerous representatives of UN Member States, senior UN officials and staff, as well as representatives of UN Offices, Funds, and Programmes, and civil society organizations.

About the “Flower of Srebrenica” Memorial

The “Flower of Srebrenica” memorial is modelled after the internationally recognized symbol of remembrance for the genocide committed in Srebrenica in 1995. The flower consists of 11 white petals, made of Tasos marble, encircling a centre of Verde Marin green marble. The 11 petals symbolize 11 July, which the UN General Assembly proclaimed as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica. The white colour represents the innocence of the victims, while the green centre symbolizes hope, life, and renewal.

In the year marking the 30th anniversary of the genocide, Bosnia and Herzegovina presented this memorial installation as a gift to the UN Secretariat, as part of the Srebrenica Genocide and the United Nations Outreach Programme. The memorial is now a permanent installation, serving as a place of remembrance, reflection, and learning for all visitors.

The “Flower of Srebrenica” reaffirms the United Nations’ continued commitment to honouring victims and survivors. It stands as a powerful testimony to the survivors’ struggle for truth, justice, and accountability, and as a clear response to denial and distortion of historical facts. The memorial safeguards the memory and dignity of those who perished and serves as a lasting reminder of the international obligation to prevent genocide.