Life after Return: Lessons from Bosnian War Refugees for Current Refugee Return Debates

Author: Özge Algül, Independent Researcher

Based on the analysis of 36 interviews with former Bosnian refugees and ten institutions active in post-conflict reconciliation in Sarajevo (2019), this paper examines the Bosnian returnees’ reestablishment process. 

Executive Summary:

The point of departure of this research was the uncertain future of Syrian refugees. Considering that their return —like that of many other refugee populations worldwide— is subject to debates, this paper highlights lessons from previous return policies, regulations and re-establishment practises by examining the long-term consequences of the Bosnian repatriation case. The Bosnian case shows that “repatriation”, despite its literal meaning, does not always mean going back “home”. Even though large amounts of money spent for rebuilding the lives of Bosnian refugees, they could not return to their “home” but became internally displaced. This is because of the lack of human dignity and safety at their places of origin. Moreover, the loss of capitals and the formation of new ones throughout the asylum experience along with the “support” of host countries and (inter)national institutions, may create challenges rather than opportunities during re-establishment.

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