Director of the Museum of Genocide Victims Bojan Arbutina said the institution has so far identified several hundred Ustasha symbols displayed in public spaces across Europe and the world, and is actively working on forming a database that will serve for their removal.
Arbutina noted that the exact number of such symbols — found on monuments, association plaques or sports club emblems in numerous countries — has not yet been determined, but research is ongoing.
“The Museum is conducting extensive research based on archival material, memoirs, periodicals and other available sources, aiming to identify the locations of these symbols through documented evidence,” Arbutina said.
He added that significant assistance comes from the Serb diaspora, which provides data, photographs and, in some cases, short biographies, further strengthening the database.
Results already visible
As a result of the Museum’s activities, the Government of Spain decided on April 14 to remove Ustasha symbols from the grave of Vjekoslav Maks Luburić, who was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Serbs during World War II.
“We expect the decision to be implemented within the next two months, and in addition to removing the symbols, an informational plaque will be installed clearly explaining who this criminal was,” Arbutina said.
He also expressed hope for concrete results in Argentina, noting that discussions had already been held with Ambassador Osvaldo Marsico regarding the Ustasha legacy in that country.
International cooperation
Arbutina announced that in early June, representatives of Serbia will attend a plenary session in Buenos Aires within the framework of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which will provide an opportunity to intensify efforts and achieve further results.
He emphasized that the database being developed is a unique initiative originating from the Museum, stemming from its role as a national institution dedicated to the culture of remembrance.
Raising awareness
According to Arbutina, insufficient awareness in Europe about the suffering of the Serb people has contributed to the persistence of such symbols for decades.
He highlighted that in recent years the Museum has published numerous scientific monographs in English, hosted prominent experts, organized international conferences and established ongoing cooperation with relevant institutions worldwide dealing with the history of World War II.
“These activities have created the preconditions for raising the issue of removing Ustasha symbols, and the Museum will continue to insist on it,” Arbutina concluded.
Source: Glas Srpske
