Over 110,000 individuals participated in demonstrations against immigration in London recently. Among them was Smajo Beso, a man from Newcastle who arrived in the UK as a refugee during the Bosnian conflict. Smajo, now 40, vividly recalls the challenges his family faced during their relocation to the UK in 1993.
As a nine-year-old back then, Smajo arrived in the UK not knowing a word of English, longing to return to Bosnia. His father, Dzemal Beso, was detained in a Croatian-run camp, leaving Smajo and his family displaced and moving 14 times in the first nine months of the conflict. Eventually, Dzemal was among the fortunate men who received medical care and was resettled in the UK under the Bosnia Project in 1994.
Despite the promise of a swift family reunion, it took six months before Smajo’s family joined his father in the UK. Adjusting to a new life was challenging, with language barriers, visa uncertainties, and the ongoing war in Bosnia adding to their struggles. The family’s experience, though marked with discrimination at times, was positively influenced by supportive teachers who helped foster understanding among their peers.
Now a successful architect and lecturer, Smajo reflects on the current refugee crisis, emphasizing the need for honest discussions and dispelling misinformation surrounding refugees. He shares his story to shed light on the plight of refugees and asylum seekers, aiming to educate the public on the Bosnian Genocide and advocate for a compassionate approach towards those seeking safety.
Smajo’s dedication to raising awareness stems from his love for the UK and the desire to prevent a societal shift towards hostility and dehumanization. Through his advocacy work, he hopes to inspire empathy and understanding, preserving the inclusive and welcoming fabric of British society for future generations.
