On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the Faculty of Law (FLW) at the International University of Sarajevo (IUS) had the privilege of hosting a distinguished public lecture by Prof. David Pettigrew from Southern Connecticut State University on Transitional Justice and the Case of Srebrenica. The lecture opened with an introduction by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ena Kazić-Çakar, Dean of the IUS Faculty of Law, who provided an insightful overview of the factual and judicial aspects of the Srebrenica genocide, emphasizing its legal recognition by international courts.
Prof. Pettigrew then elaborated on the transitional justice processes related to the Srebrenica genocide, highlighting the challenges in achieving justice, reconciliation, and long-term peace in the region. He also discussed the broader implications of transitional justice, reflecting on the role of international organizations, legal institutions, and civil society in ensuring accountability. Additionally, he examined the ongoing struggles against genocide denial and historical revisionism, stressing the importance of education and remembrance in preventing future atrocities.
The event was concluded with a powerful reading of excerpts from the judgment on the Srebrenica genocide by four students from the Faculty of Law, highlighting the importance of remembering and understanding this chapter in the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The participation of students in this symbolic act reinforced the significance of legal awareness and the role of young legal professionals in upholding human rights. The event served as a reminder of the enduring relevance of transitional justice and the necessity of continued efforts to confront the past with truth and integrity.
