United Nations can not be held liable for 1995 Srebrenica massacre

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More than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim males were slaughtered by Serb forces in a U.N.-declared safe zone. Photo: EFE

A Dutch court has ruled it has no jurisdiction in a civil suit against the United Nations by survivors of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia.

A group called the Mothers of Srebrenica is seeking compensation for the failure of Dutch U.N. troops to prevent the slaughter by Serb forces of more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim males in a U.N.-declared safe zone.

The Hague District Court said the U.N.'s immunity means it cannot be held liable in any country's national court.

Lawyers for the victims say they will appeal Thursday's decision. The case could go to the European Court of Human Rights.