The UN Refugee Agency

“Nihada, Invisible Dreams”

In the typical Bosnian neighborhood of Alpasino, Sarajevo, Nihada lives a different life from many.

Due to her Kosovar blood and the difficulties of the Balkan civil war, Bosnia chooses to not recognize her documents. Being seen as stateless, Nihada is forced to be excluded from society and multiple human rights. She cannot work, study, marry or even access the necessary healthcare she may need. Despite this, Nihad remains strong and resilient. She continues to push for a life that she deserves.

Her partner, Sasa, is a Bosnian national who, too, faces issues by staying with Nihad. They are now playing a game of patience. Regardless of Sasa Bosnian status, their future child will become stateless due to Nihada’s situation. They must now wait on the actions of government officials to simply have a family or else face another generation of difficulties around stateless individuals.