In June 2017, a special festival which erases borders among the local and refugee population took place in 12 European cities. The festival in question is the Refugee Food Festival, which was organised by Food Sweet Food and UNHCR. Restaurants in Rome, Amsterdam, Lyon, Marseilles, Brussels, Bordeaux, Lille, Athens, Florence, Madrid, Milano, and Bari opened their doors to chefs who have arrived to their cities fleeing wars in their countries. Having in mind the universal power of food to bring people together, this festival has three main goals: to change the attitudes of the local population towards refugees, improve the professional integration of refugees, and present culinary specialties from around the world.
The Belgrade Centre for Human Rights and Liceulice decided to join in this initiative by introducing traditional Arabic cuisine to their event Transcending the Borders, which took place on Saturday, 1 July, 2017 in ŠTAB Gallery in Belgrade. The kitchen of the Od usta do usta restaurant generously opened its doors to four talented chefs, Muhammad from Syria, and Mustafa, Al-Nuh and Karar from Iraq, who therefore had the opportunity to display their cooking skills and promote traditional Arabic food, while the rest of us got a chance to experience the taste and scent of their culture. Maqlube, fasulia, biryani, and kebab hindy are just some of the traditional Arabic dishes that visitors had to choose from while talking to some of the few dozen refugees who participated in this event. Visitors also had the opportunity to enjoy a day of socializing with refugees in an informal setting and together with Demir Mekić and a group of young performers be part of an interactive forum theater. Nelly from Cameroon presented the traditional African technique for braiding and decorating hair, while Khatera from Afghanistan presented the art of henna tattooing. Emir and Julio who together form a duo called SinCuba were in charge of the musical arrangement.
This is the second year in a row that the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights and Liceulice have through a joint program been attempting to raise awareness on the problems refugees face in Serbia. Special attention is given to the position of individuals who have decided to stay in Serbia, and the obstacles they face while attempting to realize their basic rights and integrate into society.
The event was organized through the support of the UNHCR Office in Belgrade. The Belgrade Centre for Human Rights and Liceulice would like to give special thanks to the Od usta do usta restaurant, ŠTAB Gallery and a photographer Sara Ristić.