People on the Move.

Not easy to keep it warm for Suliman, during January in Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina, when you live as a migrant.

Bihać, the small town in the north of Bosnia and Herzegovina, close to the boarder of Croatia is the unlikely destinations where migrants hoping to reach the EU are stranded due to the closed boarder to the European Union. 

Migrants staying in an abandoned building in Velika Kladuša.

The migration situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a provoked and unjust situation caused by many factors. The European Union is perhaps the main factor. Second, the world is currently in a situation where there are an estimated 1 billion migrants on our planet. Many (around 760 million) are internally displaced, the rest are international migrants. It is not difficult to understand that many wishes to explore and try to find a better way of life for their families and themselves. With news about the world conflicts and disasters being updated 24/7, we know that life can be unbearable for many. Continued troubles in the middle east, conflicts on the African continent as well as complicated situations in south east Asia, Europe is seen as a safe heaven and a destination of hope for many. 

However, all is not what it seems. We are in the middle of a pandemic. The European Union is going through changes with unrest amongst the members. Brexit, a right wing movement with Hungary’s President Orban, Austria and others creating the ‘Identity and Democracy’ bloc furthering their right wing ideas and distancing themselves from the ideals of the EU. Finding a common voice in Europe is seen as difficult. Bihac is the unlikely destinations where migrants hoping to reach the EU are stranded as the boarder to Croatia is closed.

The abandoned old persons home has several floors and allows for a little more privacy and a sense of 'normality'.

Abas Sherif with friends from Afghanistan, at the factory just outside Bihac. 

The river Sana is used for many of the daily necessities. 

The river Sana is used for many of the daily necessities. 

Habibula from Afghanistan, has an infection in his face and hopes to get treatment as soon as possible.

Wakar Ali from Afghanistan, is waiting for the weather to get better before the next attempt to reach the EU.

 Many lose their shoes when attempting to do the 'game'. A collection is seen at the old factory in Bihać.

A migrant on the phone during a quiet evening in Bhać in January 2021.

Much has been written about the camp in Lipa. It burnt down. It has been rebuilt and it is located in the middle of nowhere. Locating it far from nearby towns may please seem of the local people in the region, but it makes it very difficult for the migrants themselves as there is nothing, apart from forrest, nearby. Even the foirerst is threatening as it has not ben demand from the last war in the 1990's. 

An Italian aid organisation is visiting an abondent building used by migrants in Bihać- food and hygiene products are given as well as medical assistant for those who need. 

An Italian aid organisation is visiting an abondent building used by migrants in Bihać- food and hygiene products are given as well as medical assistant for those who need. 

Mahr from Afghanistan is chatting to friends at the at the 'factory' in Bihać while enjoying fruits given by an Italian NGO.

Payman from Afghanistan with a friend at the 'factory' in Bihać.

Migrants mostly stay in an abandoned buildings in and around Bihać and Velika Kladuša.

Several houses as well as old factory buildings are left as ruins since the war in the 1990's.

At least the roof helps with some protection from the elements.

However, most migrants end up staying longer as they need to make several attempt crossing into Croatia.

One building is by the river Sana, close to the town centre in Bihać.

The abandoned old persons home has several floors and allows for a little more privacy and a sense of 'normality'.

The larger site is a former kitchen appliance factory on the access road to the town. 

Young migrants playing football on an unusually warm day in January 2021.

Young migrants playing cricket in September 2020.

Bangladeshi migrants have been staying in tents set up in the forest near the town of Velika Kladuca.

It is April in Bihac and many are preparing to attempt "The Game". It is also Ramadan. 

People staying at an abundant factory building in Bihac are collectively preparing for Iftar, the meal breaking the fast during Ramadan. 

People staying at an abundant factory building in Bihac are collectively preparing for Iftar, the meal breaking the fast during Ramadan. 

People staying at an abundant factory building in Bihac are collectively preparing for Iftar, the meal breaking the fast during Ramadan. 

Hygiene is also important.

Hygiene is also important.

People staying at an abundant factory building in Bihac are collectively preparing for Iftar, the meal breaking the fast during Ramadan.

People staying at an abundant factory building in Bihac are collectively preparing for Iftar, the meal breaking the fast during Ramadan.

Someone is collecting dry firewood.

A ball game will always lift the spirit, particularly during the pandemic and Ramadan.

At an abundant house, a group of 12 people are preparing their Iftar, first tidying up the grounds.

Everyone helps and contributes to the meal which is later shared. 

It gets crowded- 10 people sleep in this single room.

Abdulah from Pakistan explains the situation and how most have attempted the game many times while being 'stuck' in Bosnia for several years.

Firewood is collected.

Adul Sahn from Afghanistan is using one of the two phones shared by the community of 12 people

Food is shared amongst the group. At times, the police comes by and confiscate what food is stored. 

Spring time makes it a little easier to cook outside.

Waiting time is used catching up on news from friends on the road and people at home.

These guys have 'adopted' two dogs that stays loyal as well as keeps company.

Tea time preparation.

On this day, Iftar started at 19:45.. still a few moments to wait. 

Food preparation.

Friends.

The Iftar table

The meal starts with a prayer

Chicken, dates, bread and fresh fruits.

This time, enough for everyone.

With no electricity, the day tends to end with the sunset. Just as well, the morning meal is at 03:30.

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