Srebrenica Genocide

DEFINING GENOCIDE

The term "genocide" did not exist before 1944. It is a very specific term referring to violent crimes committed against groups with the intent to destroy the existence of the group.

“The process of genocide consists of a series of events which unfold according to a specific pattern with identifiable phases and features a characteristic internal logic. The process of genocide progresses from its beginning through a structured course to its end. First, it must define a target group (these victims are usually chosen solely on the basis that they belong to a specific group or category) and designate them for persecution or destruction. Second, the property of the members of that group must be expropriated. Third, the group must be concentrated in a single area. Fourth, the group must be deported. Finally, a significant number of the group must be killed. Although in reality, these phases may unfold rapidly one after another, depending on the circumstances, it has been observed that the first phases of the process of persecution can occur in full view of the public, while later phases are, in most cases,shrouded in secrecy.“

(Ton Zwaan "On the Etiology and Genesis of Genocides and Mass Crimes Targeting Specific Groups")

Srebrenica 1995

In the summer of 1995, Srebrenica, a UN-declared safe area, was attacked by the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS) forces led by the commander Ratko Mladić. During a few days in early July, more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were executed by Serb forces in an act of genocide. UN peacekeepers from The Netherlands stood by helplessly as genocide took place. NATO air power was not used to prevent the Serb forces from entering the UN Safe area.

The video Documentary Animation, 38 minutes long, is important for mapping the genocide from early July 1995 to 19 July 1995.