Dutch State “Responsible for Three Srebrenica Deaths”

Since 1948, the UN has assigned peacekeeping forces, contributed by member states, to maintain peace in countries torn by conflict. The mandate to protect civilians is “often the yardstick by which we are judged,” notes the UN. A Netherlands court has ruled the Dutch state is responsible for the 1995 deaths of three Bosnian Muslims who had worked for the Dutch peacekeepers, reports BBC News. The three were among hundreds evacuated from the safe area overseen by the Dutch peacekeepers. Heavily armed Bosnian Serb forces assured the Dutch that no harm would come to the Muslims, just before the Srebrenica massacre of 8000 men and boys. “It is believed to be the first time a state has been held responsible for the actions of its troops working under UN auspices,” reports BBC News. “This could have far-reaching implications for other countries that may be wary of sending their troops on UN peacekeeping missions.” – YaleGlobal