[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 126 (Thursday, July 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E641-E642]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 INTRODUCTION OF HOUSE RESOLUTION 1045

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 2020

  Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, this past Saturday marked the 
25th anniversary of the genocide that took place at Srebrenica. In 
1992, following Bosnia and Herzegovina's declaration of independence 
from Yugoslavia, Bosnian Serb forces, also called the Army of Republika 
Srpska, attacked Eastern Bosnia in order to unify and secure Serb 
territory. During this struggle for control, those Bosnian Serb forces 
committed crimes of ethnic cleansing and the systematic murder of the 
non-Serb population. Over 8,000 Bosnian men and boys were 
systematically executed at Srebrenica in July 1995.
  The House of Representatives rightfully classified the atrocities 
that happened in Srebrenica and other policies of aggression

[[Page E642]]

and ethnic cleansing by Serb forces during the Bosnian War as genocide 
in 2005, and again in 2015. Yet the denial and diminishing of what 
happened persists in some populations.
  During my time in Congress, I have had the opportunity to meet the 
mothers of the boys and men killed during the war and have heard their 
stories of grief and sorrow.
  As a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Bosnia, I have also seen 
how the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina has overcome many obstacles 
and developed since declaring independence. Though significant progress 
has been achieved, there is more work left be done. Peace is fragile in 
this region and the International community must continue its efforts 
to ensure that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains a peaceful and inclusive 
country.
  Earlier this week, I introduced a Resolution honoring those who lost 
their lives during the worst atrocity on European soil since World War 
II. The Resolution is also a testament of support for the Bosnian 
people's aspiration for greater Euro-Atlantic integration.
  Madam Speaker, the genocide at Srebrenica serves as a reminder of the 
consequences that occur when the international community fails to react 
to actions of military force. I stand with the victims and survivors of 
the Srebrenica genocide and believe this tragedy should never be 
forgotten.

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