Activists of the regional initiative Believers for Peace (Vjernici za mir) gathered on Tuesday in Sarajevo, expressing concern over the treatment of migrant and refugees and pointing out that they feel the responsibility to raise their voice as the nationalism and populism are often linked to religious identity.

Organisers said this was a gathering that conveyed a message ‘This is not a refugee crisis but a humanity exam’ and that showing a solidarity was their goal.

“We see what kind of weather is on the way, they could stay outdoors in summer, but now this is becoming a bigger problem as these people are outside and without a care. There is no politics that would decide on taking care of them, in terms of accommodation and food and all other conditions that every human should have,” said an activist Amina Sljivo-Becic.

She added that a similar gathering was held in Zagreb on Tuesday, where the activists also urged the public and decision makers not to forget to include the humanity factor, as the main fundament of Euroepan culture, in their discussion on the future of refugees.

“A huge number of Catholics in Croatia conveyed a message that their books too speak about how important it is to help those in need, those who lack things, who are hungry, thirsty. We are as well, as representatives of the Islamic religion as well as representatives of other religions, conveying a message from Sarajevo,” added Sljivo-Becic.

The event was organised to observe the International Day of Non-Violence and in cooperation with the Centre for education and research Nahla.