Press release May 19, 2008: Srebrenica Hearing on 18 June 2008 10 a.m. District Court at The Hague

On 4 June 2007, we filed the lawsuit against the Dutch State and the United Nations (UN) on behalf of approximately 6,000 relatives of the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica 1995 (Mothers of Srebrenica), in which about 10,000 people were massacred. The trial is aimed at gaining recognition and satisfaction for the surviving relatives of this tragedy.

Finally, after one year, the first hearing in this case will be held on 18 June 2008 at 10 a.m. at the District court at The Hague, Prins Clauslaan 60.

Late last year, the court declared that the UN is in default of appearance. The UN had announced through other channels that it would be exercising its right to immunity and had therefore chosen not to appear as litigant in the trial. Despite repeated attempts by both the Dutch Public Prosecutor's Office and the attorney of the Dutch State to have the Mothers of Srebrenica's claims declared inadmissible, the judge decided in the Mothers' favour.

During this crucially important hearing, proceedings will only deal with the issue of whether the UN – despite its involvement in the genocide – is entitled to immunity in this extraordinary case. Given the possible implications for the UN, this trial will be receiving worldwide attention. The court has already indicated that additional measures will be taken in this respect for media and other purposes.

Please visit our website for comprehensive accounts of the legal arguments presented, where you can also download the summons as well as our extensive statement concerning the immunity issue.

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