Georgia

Book of Life Stories

A Heavy Burden, published in Georgian, Russian and English by IDMC in Geneva, the Norwegian Refugee Council in Georgia and Panos London’s Oral Testimony Programme, brings together 13 accounts from Georgia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

A Heavy Burden brings the reality behind these figures to life. The stories address universal human experiences and responses rather than specific political issues. By reading what the displaced people themselves want to tell us, we may learn what is important to them. The process of collecting these stories allowed unexpected ideas to emerge which challenge generalised notions of displacement.

Some IDPs acknowledged that it was difficult to recount painful experiences, but most said they felt relieved or even privileged to be able to tell their story to an attentive and sensitive listener. They valued this opportunity to be heard even though it was often hard for them to share their experiences.

The title A Heavy Burden comes from the great weight of trauma that most stories reveal. Some people had family members killed in the conflicts and had to flee immediately, without carrying out traditional burial and mourning rites. After years of displacement, they still endure loss and continuing grief. How can you come to terms with your loss if your loved ones cannot be buried next to their ancestors on their own land as tradition requires? It is evidently necessary to address this concern to help people move on with their lives. But in these stories we also meet strong women and men who have found their own ways to move forward.

Download the book in pdf format