How can religious communities help people on the move feel supported, welcomed and included? This question brought together a total of 24 participants, including religious leaders, theology professors, civil society activists, Ministry of Human Rights and Refugees and media representatives in Tuzla to exchange experiences and explore ways to strengthen solidarity and support for people on the move.

Organised by the Council of Europe, the event “Migration from the Perspective of Religious Communities: Supporting People on the Move”, created space for dialogue on the contribution religious communities can make to fostering mutual understanding, challenging prejudice and building more inclusive communities.

Participants visited three religious sites in Tuzla: the Evangelical Church of Tuzla, Gazi Turali-beg Mosque, and the Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God, where they learned about the history, activities and engagement of different religious communities in the city. These visits provided opportunities for dialogue and a better understanding of the role religious communities play in supporting people and fostering solidarity at the local level.

Discussions focused on migration from the perspective of religious communities, focusing on both the individual contributions of religious leaders and the institutional support provided by religious communities to people on the move. Participants exchanged experiences and practices, reflected on challenges encountered in providing support and explored ways to improve their responses and engagement, including by promoting more inclusive communities.

A particular focus was placed on the personal experiences of migration: a person who had travelled to and settled in Bosnia and Herzegovina shared his journey, the challenges he encountered along the way and his experiences of building a life in a new environment. Participants had the opportunity to engage directly, ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the human experiences behind migration.

The event highlighted the importance of dialogue, empathy and co-operation among religious communities, public institutions, civil society and other stakeholders in responding to migration-related challenges, combating prejudice and contributing to a more inclusive society.

The event was financed through the European Union and Council of Europe action “Towards an Equal, Inclusive and Tolerant Bosnia and Herzegovina”, implemented under the joint programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye III”, and the Council of Europe project “Combating Discrimination, Hatred and Fostering Inclusion in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Phase II”.