Refugees Abused and Robbed on Bosnia-Croatia Border

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Bosnia and Herzegovina - A group of refugees from Afghanistan, Egypt, Morocco, Pakistan, Syria, and Sudan have arrived in Bihac, a town near the Croatian border. The migrants are attempting to reach European Union soil, but their journey is being hindered by Bosnian authorities.

According to international law, anyone arriving at a border has the right to request asylum and remain in the country while their claim is considered. However, some migrants report being denied this opportunity and being forcibly sent back across the border.

In over a dozen testimonies to Al Jazeera, migrants described being physically assaulted and robbed by Croatian authorities. They reported being stripped of their belongings, including phones and winter clothing, before being forced to start the journey again.

One migrant, Hamid, who is originally from Morocco, said he was permanently disabled after being beaten by Bosnian police two years ago. He has been stranded in Bihac for an extended period, sleeping in parks and abandoned buildings.

Another migrant, Abdul, reported being held captive by Croatian authorities for 24 hours, beaten, and denied basic necessities before being returned to Bosnia. He fears retribution from the new government due to his vocal support of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The journey on foot from Bosnia to Croatia is perilous, crossing icy rivers and snow-capped peaks. Many migrants are unsuccessful in their attempts, attempting the crossing multiple times before landing back in Bihac or facing encounters with Croatian authorities that result in fatalities.

According to reports, at least 22 migrants went missing along the western Balkans route in 2025. The exact number is likely an undercount due to the lack of reporting from families back home.

Bosnian officials have not responded to Al Jazeera’s requests for comment on the matter. Croatian authorities also declined to comment on the allegations made by the migrants.

Source: Al Jazeera