Enacting (digital) citizenship from below

Although an important route for refugees into Europe leads through Bosnia and Herzegovina, the situation there remains significantly under-researched. Our project aims to fill this gap by focusing on two cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, exploring how digital technologies play a crucial role for refugees at the borders of the European Union. These technologies are not only essential for coordinating care and support but also influence how refugees engage in civic activities and potentially claim rights and recognition in often new and innovative ways. This research will focus on refugees from different countries who are still in transit, but who are often stuck in Bosnia and Herzegovina for long periods of time, facing an uncertain and precarious future. Through this research, we ask two main questions: How do refugees use digital technologies to care for themselves and others? And how does this engagement shape their sense of belonging, identity, and political activism? By exploring these questions, we aim to understand how the combination of digital infrastructure, care and notions of citizenship shape refugees everyday lives, including how they present themselves, engage in activism, and make claims for rights. The study will use a range of innovative research methods, including digital diaries and storytelling, alongside traditional ethnographic approaches like participant observation and interviews. By combining these methods, the project not only offers a new perspective on refugee experiences but also helps to advance research in digital ethnography and participatory methods. The project team consists of three members: the Principal Investigator (PI), a PhD student, and a postdoctoral researcher. The PI, an experienced urban anthropologist with over three years of research experience in Bosnia and Herzegovina, brings expertise in migration, refugee studies, transnational care, and digital ethnography to the project. Together, the team aims to provide a deeper understanding of the role of digital technologies in the lives of refugees at the EU external borders.