Bosnia & Herzegovina UK Network urges UK Government to oppose state and military honours for Ratko Mladic

Birmingham: Bosnia & Herzegovina UK Network has written to the Prime Minister and senior UK foreign policy representatives urging the British Government to use its diplomatic influence following reports concerning proposed state and military honours for convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic in Serbia.

The organisation, established during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s by people affected by war, persecution and displacement, has supported Bosnian refugees and survivors in the UK for 30 years, including survivors and families affected by the Srebrenica genocide.

Ratko Mladic died while serving a life sentence following his final conviction for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

The Network has expressed particular concern that official state or military honours could contribute to the glorification of a convicted war criminal, encourage genocide denial and historical revisionism, and cause further distress to survivors and victims’ families.

Zaim Pasic, Chairman of Bosnia & Herzegovina UK Network, said:

“For survivors and families of the victims, this is not simply a matter of history. Honouring someone convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes would cause enormous pain and send a deeply troubling message.

We are asking the UK Government to use its diplomatic influence to discourage any official state or military glorification of Ratko Mladic.”

The Network has also highlighted the United Kingdom’s longstanding commitment to Srebrenica remembrance and its support for the 2024 United Nations General Assembly resolution establishing 11 July as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica.

The organisation stressed that its concern is not with Mladic’s right to a burial or private funeral arrangements, but specifically with any state or military involvement that could transform his funeral into an act of official honour or glorification.

Bosnia & Herzegovina UK Network has shared its concerns with the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and other relevant UK representatives.

The full letter sent to the Prime Minister is attached.

Urgent Concern Regarding Proposed State and Military Honours for Ratko Mladić