Srebrenica Genocide Remembrance Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- S. 2184
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-26: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-23T13:43:55Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Srebrenica Genocide Remembrance Act of 2025 aims to honor the victims of the 1995 Srebrenica genocide during the Bosnian War by designating July 11 as a national day of remembrance. It seeks to educate the public, condemn the genocide and related atrocities, counter denial of these events, and promote peace, reconciliation, and human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond.
Key Provisions
- Designation of National Day: July 11 is established as the "National Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Srebrenica Genocide" under Chapter 1 of Title 36, United States Code (which covers patriotic observances and national symbols).
- Encouragement for Recognition: The bill urges private citizens, organizations, and federal, state, and local government entities to observe the day through proclamations, events, and educational programs. Specific focuses include:
- Paying tribute to the over 8,000 Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) victims, their families, and communities in Bosnia and the diaspora.
- Condemning the Srebrenica genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed during the Bosnian War (1992–1995).
- Promoting human rights, ethnic and religious tolerance, and efforts to counter genocide denial and historical revisionism.
- Acknowledging the role of international bodies like the High Representative (overseeing civilian aspects of the 1995 Dayton peace agreement) in maintaining stability.
- Supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina's multi-ethnic society, territorial unity, and path toward European and NATO integration.
- Calling for the safe return of displaced Bosniaks, political reconciliation, and education to prevent future atrocities.
- Findings Section: Provides historical context, including the recognition of Bosnia's independence in 1992, details of Serb forces' actions in Srebrenica (e.g., mass killings, deportations, rapes), UN failures to protect "safe areas," convictions of leaders like Ratko Mladić and Radovan Karadžić, partial apologies from Serbia and Republika Srpska (a Bosnian entity), instances of genocide denial (e.g., by Russia in 2015 and Bosnian leaders), and U.S. support for peace efforts.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Title 36 of the U.S. Code by adding a new section (149) for this observance, similar to other national remembrance days (e.g., for Holocaust victims or 9/11).
- Includes a technical update to the table of sections in the code for organizational purposes.
- No binding requirements or funding are imposed; it is entirely symbolic and non-enforceable, building on prior U.S. resolutions (e.g., Senate Resolution 134 from 2005) without altering criminal laws or foreign policy mandates.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Encourages federal, state, and local entities to issue proclamations or host events, potentially increasing awareness through public diplomacy without requiring budget allocations. The State Department and agencies involved in Balkan affairs may use it to reinforce U.S. human rights advocacy.
- On Citizens: Raises public awareness of the Srebrenica genocide among Americans, fostering education on genocide prevention and ethnic tolerance, particularly in Bosniak diaspora communities.
- On International Relations: Signals U.S. solidarity with Bosnia and Herzegovina, potentially straining ties with entities engaging in genocide denial (e.g., parts of Serbia or Republika Srpska). It supports ongoing U.S. efforts for Balkan stability, EU/NATO integration, and countering Russian influence, while aligning with international rulings from bodies like the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Victims' Families and Bosniak Communities: Direct beneficiaries through tribute and efforts to combat denial and promote returns under the Dayton Accords.
- Bosnia and Herzegovina and Diaspora: Gains recognition for multi-ethnic reconciliation and stability; affects leaders like those in Republika Srpska who deny the genocide.
- U.S. Citizens and Organizations: Nonprofits, educational institutions, and ethnic groups (e.g., Bosnian-American associations) are encouraged to participate in observances.
- International Actors: UN, EUFOR (EU peacekeeping force in Bosnia), Serbia, Russia, and NGOs focused on human rights and genocide remembrance.
- U.S. Government Entities: Congress, executive agencies, and local governments involved in foreign policy or education.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a non-binding resolution-like measure, it has no enforceable penalties, avoiding First Amendment issues related to speech (e.g., it condemns denial but does not criminalize it). It reaffirms U.S. adherence to the 1948 UN Genocide Convention without creating new domestic obligations.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to designate observances under Article I, promoting free expression and education without infringing on rights.
- Political: Represents a bipartisan statement (introduced by Sens. Shaheen and Wicker) against ethno-nationalism and historical revisionism, potentially influencing U.S. foreign aid and sanctions in the Balkans. It highlights ongoing tensions in post-Dayton Bosnia, where denial undermines peace, and underscores U.S. leadership in global human rights without escalating conflicts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-26: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2025-06-26: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Srebrenica Genocide Remembrance Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-26 — PDF (11 pages)