Behije’s Craft: Building Hope Amidst Uncertainty

Sarajevo - Behije had always been resilient. Her previous life in the Mahmur camp in Iraq wasn’t easy, but she found a way to make it manageable. For years, she poured her energy into crafting delicate bracelets, each one a labour of love that took hours to complete.

The bracelets, sold for five dollars each, became her lifeline, providing a small income for her family and became a way for her to hold onto some sense of normalcy.

But the fragile peace of Mahmur was shattered when their house in the camp was bombarded. The sense of safety they had clung to was gone. Fearing for their lives, she and her husband made the difficult decision to flee. Leaving her four children behind with her mother was the hardest choice she had ever made, but she knew the journey ahead was too dangerous for them.

As they arrived in the Usivak Reception Center in Bosnia and Herzegovina, far from the life they had known, she quickly became involved in the community. She joined the activities at the reception center, always willing to help, whether by making crafts or participating in social events.

The No Nation Fashion corner became a place of comfort for her, a space where she found the support of others in similar situations. Though she didn’t know how to sew, she showed willingness to learn and gained skills there, adding to her growing sense of self-reliance.

She continued to make her bracelets, finding some security in the familiar rhythm of her work. Her craft was a connection to her past and a small piece of stability in an uncertain world.

Though she and her husband faced many challenges, including an attack by a local man, they were determined to reach Europe. Switzerland was their goal, a place where they hoped to find safety and, eventually, reunite with their children.

As she prepared to move forward on this journey, she reflected on the people she had met and the support she had found. Her message was one of hope—for a world where justice prevails, and no one has to live in fear. Though she was sad to leave behind those who had helped her along the way, she knew that the future held the promise of a new life for her family.

This story is written by François Lhoumeau, Communications Specialist at IOM Bosnia and Herzegovina - frlhoumeau@iom.int