The past year was marked by the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, a new conflict between Israel and Hamas, climate disasters, and record high temperatures. Developments in artificial intelligence and Titan were also notable.

To commemorate International Migrants Day on December 18, RFE/RL highlighted the plight of migrants and refugees across 23 countries. The report covers various crises, including Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion, ethnic Armenians leaving Nagorno-Karabakh, internally displaced Afghans, and the impact of the Gaza war. It features personal stories of hardship and the challenges of integration, such as a Kyrgyz family's journey to the U.S., Afghan Sikhs in India, and Ukrainian refugees in Israel. The article emphasizes the need for international support and long-term solutions to humanitarian crises.

Approximately 2,200 workers of the ArcelorMittal factory in Zenica are protesting because they have not received their wages for November. The Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina is visiting Herzegovina. The annual science awards are being presented in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Enisa Klepo, a young lawyer from Jablanica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was physically attacked by her employer, the owner of Hotel Jablanica, after resigning due to workplace mobbing and demanding her earned wages. The incident has sparked a peaceful protest march against violence towards women in Jablanica, with additional support protests in Bihać and Gračanica. Legal representative Slađana Milovanović from Fondacija Lara states that while the case is extreme, it is not isolated. Data from various organizations indicate a concerning trend of gender discrimination and violation of workers' rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite legal protections, many women do not report violence, and the judicial process is slow and inaccessible. The case has received support from UN Women and the Agency for Gender Equality of BiH, highlighting the prevalence of gender-based violence and the need for a working environment free from violence and harassment.

In a 1993 visit to Srebrenica, Canadian soldier Peter Danyluk took photographs of children living in the town during the Bosnian War. Thirty years later, he revisited these images, wondering if they could bring comfort to anyone. Danyluk, who spent most of his time in Kiseljak but had a memorable two-month stay in the UN-protected zone of Srebrenica, has vivid memories of the tour. He shared some photos with Radio Slobodna Evropa for the 'Srebrenica, Untold Stories' project, which includes images of genocide victims. Danyluk recalls a boy named Nermin with whom he had interacted. Azir Osmanović, a curator at the Srebrenica Memorial Center Museum, notes that such photographs were common among soldiers. Danyluk, now retired from the Canadian military and police service, hopes that if anyone recognizes themselves in the photos, a reunion could offer them solace.

Germany's approach to migrants has evolved, focusing on better integration, especially through education and language courses. Despite improvements, refugees from different eras, like the Balkan wars and recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Ukraine, still face challenges in acceptance and integration. Germany's labor shortage has influenced its migration policy, recognizing the need for migrant workers. Political opinions vary, with some advocating for stricter controls and others for early integration. Experiences of discrimination and racism persist, but there are also stories of successful adaptation and contribution to German society.

Iran has refrained from directly responding to suspected Israeli strikes that killed IRGC members, including a consulate attack in Damascus. Tehran vows vengeance, with Ayatollah Khamenei promising punishment for Israel. The strike on the consulate, a first on an Iranian diplomatic compound, killed seven IRGC members, including General Mohammad Reza Zahedi. Iran demands global condemnation and a UN Security Council meeting, while Israel maintains its policy of silence on Syrian airstrikes. Analysts suggest Iran may be compelled to respond, possibly indirectly, to maintain regional credibility. The attack raises concerns of escalating conflict in the region, with Iran holding Israel responsible and the U.S. expressing concern over escalation. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, the strategic calculations of both nations, and the potential for broader regional implications.

Iran has confirmed the death of IRGC member Behruz Vahedi in Syria following air strikes attributed to Israel. The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights reported 13 deaths, including 12 non-Syrian IRGC members. The strikes occurred before a UN Security Council resolution calling for a Gaza cease-fire, highlighting Israel's political isolation. Iran's regional allies have targeted Israeli and U.S. interests since Israel's Gaza offensive. The IRGC has supported Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since 2013, with hundreds of commanders in Syria.

Mostar, a city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has become renowned for its vibrant street art scene, thanks to the annual Street Arts Festival, now in its sixth year. The festival has transformed the city into a large open-air gallery with over a hundred murals, attracting artists from across the Balkans and as far as Uruguay and Argentina. Marina Mimoza, the festival organizer, has played a pivotal role in this transformation, which has garnered international recognition and increased tourist interest. This year, artists focused on Šantić street and the Konak, with the aim of turning Šantić street into a mural street, symbolically bridging the ethnic divide from the 1990s war. The festival not only promotes art but also community engagement, with volunteers contributing to the event's success. Despite Mostar's complex political situation and the absence of local elections for nine years, the street art movement brings hope and color to the city's residents.

Croatian travel writer Goran Blažević embarked on a 3,300-kilometer walk from Jordan to Croatia to cast a spotlight on the refugee crisis and to challenge the negative stereotypes of Middle Eastern countries and Muslims. He traveled through countries like Jordan, Palestine, Israel, Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia, experiencing the hospitality and kindness of locals. Goran's journey, which mirrored the path taken by refugees in 2015, is documented in his book 'Svilim – 3,300 kilometers by foot on the refugee route'. He aims to use his experiences and book to promote understanding and solidarity in the regions he visited and to address the tragedies and issues often ignored by the media.

The article covers the celebration of the annual Pride parade in Lund, Sweden, highlighting the inclusive and celebratory nature of the event in contrast to the experiences of participants from countries where LGBT rights are less accepted. The parade, themed 'Together', attracted around four thousand people, including international attendees. The article shares personal accounts from individuals who have faced challenges in their home countries, such as Indonesia and Turkey, where Pride events are met with resistance or are not fully supported. The contrast between the open acceptance in Sweden and the fear of persecution in other countries is a central theme, with personal stories underscoring the importance of acceptance and the right to express one's identity freely.