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Srebrenica Survivor's Testimony: A 700-Film Archive Documents Genocide
Hasan Hasanović, now 49, survived the six-day "Death March" from Srebrenica in July 1995, losing his father and brother during the escape from the genocide; his video testimony is part of a 700-film archive documenting the event.
- How did Hasanović's personal experiences contribute to the broader historical documentation and understanding of the Srebrenica genocide?
- Hasanović's experience exemplifies the horrors of the Srebrenica genocide, where approximately 8,372 Bosniaks were killed. His survival, against the odds of a forced march through hostile territory under relentless fire, highlights the scale of the atrocities and the desperate struggle for survival by those targeted. His account, now part of a 700-film archive, provides crucial evidence for remembering and understanding this genocide.
- What specific events and consequences characterized Hasan Hasanović's experience during the "Death March" following the fall of Srebrenica?
- Hasan Hasanović, a 19-year-old at the time, survived the Srebrenica genocide's "Death March" in July 1995. He witnessed the killings of fleeing people and endured six days of marching under constant fire, losing his father and brother along the way. Approximately one-third of the roughly 12,000 men and boys who embarked on the march reached safety.
- What is the significance of Hasanović's resistance to being labeled a "victim" and his preference for "survivor," and how does this reflect his ongoing work?
- Hasanović's work archiving survivor testimonies ensures the Srebrenica genocide is not forgotten and contributes to broader efforts of historical documentation. His dedication to preserving these accounts, comparable to the Lanzmann archive on the Holocaust, signifies the ongoing struggle for truth, justice, and memorialization in the face of denial. His insistence on being identified as a survivor, not a victim, highlights his agency and purpose in sharing the story to future generations.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is framed around Hasan Hasanović's personal story, which serves as a powerful entry point to understanding the events of Srebrenica. However, this framing might inadvertently downplay the systemic nature of the genocide and the broader political context. The focus on individual experience could overshadow the larger picture of political and military decisions that led to the massacre.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective, focusing on factual reporting and Hasan's personal testimony. While emotionally charged, the language itself doesn't utilize loaded terms or inflammatory language. There is some use of strong terms like "genocide" and "massacre", but these are appropriate given the subject matter.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Hasan Hasanović's personal experience, which, while powerful, may omit broader perspectives on the Srebrenica genocide. The article mentions the UN report on the number of Bosniaks present but doesn't delve into the complexities of the international response or the failures of the UN peacekeeping mission. Additionally, while the scale of the genocide is acknowledged, the article might benefit from including more statistical data on victims, perpetrators, and the long-term consequences for the region. The article also lacks specific details about the political context that led to the genocide.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article describes the Srebrenica genocide, a grave violation of human rights and international law. The mass killings, the deliberate targeting of civilians, and the subsequent denial of the genocide represent a profound failure of peace, justice, and strong institutions. The ongoing struggle for recognition and accountability further underscores the lack of justice.