Migration is woven into the very fabric of almost all societies. Today, more than 280 million people—3.6% of the global population—live in countries other than where they were born.

Despite its complex and multifaceted nature, migration is often associated with crisis and despair. This portrayal, amplified by media and public discourse, can fuel fears and divisions, while depriving the public of an essential truth: that migration is an enduring way forward in humanity’s quest for progress.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, hosts communities have progressively built an understanding of migrants’ stories by speaking directly to people on the move - getting to know their names, their experiences and their dreams. These exchanges can fundamentally transform the way in which communities perceive migrants, breaking barriers and helping to build bridges.

To encourage conversations about the multiple facets of migration in Bosnia and Herzegovina, IOM is hosting an exhibition in Sarajevo displaying 22 life-sized silhouettes, each telling the courageous story of a person who migrated to or from the country throughout history.

Take, for instance, Bohuslava Keckova, the first Czech female doctor who migrated to Mostar in 1893 and made immeasurable contributions to women’s health and education in Herzegovina. Or, Ozan from Iraq, a hairdresser in Baščaršija who arrived in 2019, fell in love, got married, started a family and found happiness in Sarajevo.  

Through personal portraits and stories illustrating the trajectories of migrants, the exhibition invites us to reflect on human resilience and aspirations for better futures. These stories of men, women and children help us reshape how we perceive migrants and how their stories are intrinsically related to our own.

In the 1990s, many people from this region were forced to flee in search of safety and dignity. The echoes of that experience resonate with the stories of those making perilous journeys through Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans today. IOM estimates that almost one third of those who currently transit through the Western Balkans have some kind of vulnerability, a group that includes unaccompanied and separated children, pregnant women travelling alone or with small children, victims of trafficking, LGBTQI+ migrants as well as persons with serious medical conditions.[1]  

By recognizing the shared humanity in every migrant’s journey, we can move beyond fear and build empathy, understanding, and mutual respect. Each silhouette highlights our common values and invites us to think about the commonalities in the stories of the migrants passing through today and the people who once left this region in search of safety.

The Western Balkans have always been at the crossroads of diverse cultures and movements. This history is evident in the architecture, culture and traditions. It is a reminder that migration is an integral part of human history and a force that drives progress and innovation.

As many of the countries in South and Eastern Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina is undergoing a rapid demographic transition, with a projected decline of 29 per cent of the population by 2050 when compared to 1989.[2] In the face of these challenges, migration should also be seen as one of the solutions to tomorrow’s challenges.

Beyond the need for international protection, migrants also travel with skills and experience which can benefit their countries of destination. For instance, many migrants in transit have work experience in sectors in high demand in Bosnia and Herzegovina, such as hospitality and tourism (12%), construction and engineering (11%), healthcare (8%) or business and administration (8%).[3]

Narratives about migration should also reflect the stories and contributions of the thousands of ambitious professionals from Bosnia and Herzegovina who migrate to other countries in search of opportunities. In addition to significantly contributing to the gross domestic product through remittances,[4] mobility has a transformative impact for the acquisition of skills, knowledge, trade and investments in the region.   

Migration is not just about the movement of people; it is about the possibilities they bring with them. It is about the potential for growth, renewal, and shared prosperity. In the stories of these migrants, we see reflections of our own histories, our own struggles, and our own hopes for the future. And in embracing these stories, we find the strength to build a more inclusive and humane world.

Laura Lungarotti, IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina Chief of Mission and Western Balkans Coordinator