Integrating into Serbian society through the eyes of a Burundian asylum-seeker
Integrating into Serbian society through the eyes of a Burundian asylum-seeker
During the World Refugee Day reception, where he was an official photographer, Kharim put his camera away briefly to strike a pose for a portrait taken by fellow refugee artist Reza Sharifi.
Kharim, 29, fled his native Burundi in search of protection almost two years ago with very little but his old camera, a portfolio of works and knowledge of several foreign languages.
Finding himself in Serbia, he was put up at a reception centre on the outskirts of Belgrade. As the days went by, he began to feel more comfortable in his new environment. Realising that the people were friendly, he started to pick up a few words in Serbian.
He liked the vibrant atmosphere in the capital and started taking photos of his surroundings, posting them on social media.
“I like to photograph buildings and portraits of my new acquaintances. I often take walks in the surrounding parks and green areas. The photos I take there have a special atmosphere – the landscape here is so different from the one in my homeland, and that makes it all the more interesting,” says Kharim.
Kharim captures a winter Danube scene during an aimless stroll around Belgrade with his Refugee Buddy and mentor, Vladimir Živojinović
He also started to formally learn Serbian, admitting that verb conjugation and cases are the most challenging, but he is set on mastering them.
Kharim also joined a “Refugee Buddy” programme led by UNHCR’s partner IDEAS. “The goal of this innovative programme is to build a solid and constructive relationship between the local population and refugees, to strengthen social cohesion in the community through volunteer activities,” says Marko Milanovic, IDEAS director. The programme has so far supported refugees to pursue an employment, continue their education, improve their language skills and understanding of the Serbian culture, promote self-reliance and psychological wellbeing. Through the Refugee Buddy programme, Kharim met renowned Serbian photographer Vladimir Živojinović. “Befriending Vladimir meant the world to me. He accepted me as if I were his brother. I am also learning a lot about photography from him, which will surely help me achieve a higher level in my profession,” says Kharim.
“The Refugee Buddy programme promoting friendships between refugees and Serbian people was such a good idea, and I accepted the invitation to join in straight away,” highlights Vladimir. “I acquired a new friend – Kharim very quickly, also thanks to our common interest in photography. Kharim is a very kind young man. He deserves a new chance and support to develop his talent and start a new life after all he lived through. I myself learned a lot from him about the culture of Burundi. For the time being, he is the first and only Burundian I ever met”.
As part of UNHCR partner’s project Refugee Buddy, Kharim befriended renowned Serbian photographer Vladimir Živojinović.
In the spring of 2023, given Kharim’s proven artistic talent and in line with the global efforts to support self-sufficiency and inclusion of refugees, UNHCR Serbia invited him to photograph the World Refugee Day events. The images were extraordinary, and Kharim has since become UNHCR Serbia’s photographer of choice. The Office gave him a more modern camera and a flash so that he may expand his client base.
To date, Kharim was able to showcase his works in four exhibitions. In December 2023, he participated in a UNHCR-organized refugee art exhibition titled “Right to Hope”, in cooperation with the French Institute in Serbia, to mark the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Due to his talent and extraordinary professionalism, Kharim has continued his collaboration with UNHCR, most recently at the 2024 World Refugee Day events.
Kharim was part of the multimedia crew responsible for covering a joint exercise of food preparation by refugee cooks and chefs from various embassies in Serbia.
Kharim talking with local youths participating in UNHCR’s project “In Their Sneakers” in the city of Užice, western Serbia.
Kharim also held a masterclass in photography for French School students in Belgrade. This was his first ever teaching experience, for which he felt a little apprehensive about. As it turned out, the students were eager to improve their skills and responded with enthusiasm.
Kharim applied for asylum and would like to settle in Serbia. “I plan to open my own video and photo production company and to lead a productive and successful life here.” When asked about what gives him hope, he says in fluent Serbian,
