For the last year or so the Derby based Bosnia-Herzegovina Association has conducted a project funded by the National Lottery to research and record the stories of 26 Bosnian people who had to flee from war and genocide in their country and settle in the UK during the Bosnian war in the early 1990s. It covers their trauma and how they reached the UK, as well as their reception by the UK and the host community in Derby, and the founding of the Bosnia-Herzegovina Community Association and the new Centre.

The project produced a book and a DVD of the interviews conducted, in Bosnian and English (subtitles for the DVD), and makes a very powerful archive documenting how people felt and what their needs were at the time. Many of the messages and images are very relevant in understanding present sanctuary seekers and also in offering a model of welcome which was in many respects fairer than we have today and should be used to help formulate asylum policy. Without exception the interviewees were profoundly grateful for the welcome they received here and are keen to contribute to British society as so many already have. Latest news – Derby Museum are hosting an exhibition based on this work – see https://www.derbymuseums.org/events/bosnia/ for details. Special free opening event on Saturday 29th October 2016 1-4pm

Copies of the book My True Story and DVD “Our Life, Our Transition” are available for £15 for both from Ferid Kevric at the B-H Centre, 99 Curzon Street, Derby DE1 1LN or email [email protected]

The B-H Centre is also home to Derby Refugee Advice Centre, thanks to the determination of our Bosnian friends to do all they can to help other asylum seekers in gratitude for the welcome they themselves received here.