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Friday, October 21, 2016

LGBT+ refugees in a UNHCR camp threatened on a daily basis for their sexual identity and assaulted and murdered on a regular basis for years

 


LGBT organisations do not know what to do, LGBT people are the targets of assaults due to their sexual orientation within the UNHCR compound refugee camp itself. They have been for months.

 

 

 

Kenya LGBT refugee protest ends with tear gas and batons

Police attempted to disband a protest of about 60 LGBT refugees outside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee's office in Kakuma, Kenya at the end of last week.

Some of the demonstrators, who wore rainbow face masks, brought their children. They orchestrated a peaceful sit-in outside the office that started April 27. A few days later, police moved in, using tear gas and batons.

The demonstrators also complained on Facebook of not having adequate housing. More than 200 queer refugees have to sleep outside.

Unwanted, unsafe

https://www.ebar.com/news/news//291830

 

 

 

Update on Kakuma

You may remember in the podcast we spoke to Reginah, whose young baby Patricia (known as baby Covid) was injured when just 3 days old. The refugees were at a demonstration at the UNHCR to ask for better protection following many attacks and rapes. The UNHCR authorised police use of tear gas to disperse the crowd and baby Covid was hit by one of the canisters. When I interviewed Reginah, I could see the scars on her young baby. Sadly, baby Covid never really recovered and died at the hospital on 16th September.

https://filia.org.uk/latest-news/2020/10/18/update-on-kakuma

 

 

The Heart of the Kukama Block 13 was Buried Yesterday.

She was less than five months old.

LGBTQ refugees are stolen from, beaten, and abused. They are waiting to die.

Her name was Namubiru Patricia Geneva.

She was only three days old when she was hit with tear gas. One hundred forty-nine men, women, children, and yes, babies were assaulted with tear gas. By the humanitarian agency sworn to protect them. The United Nations Refugee Agency.

The residents of Block 13 were there to beg for help. They got tear gas.

https://medium.com/illumination/lgbt-lgbtq-block13-refugees-3cf6075959ea#_=_

 

 

 

LGBT+ refugees call on U.N. for safe space after Kenya camp attacks

In one incident last month, three gay men needed hospital treatment for burns after attackers set their bedding alight as they slept.

LGBT+ refugees have also been beaten, pelted with rocks and stabbed, said Gilbert Kagarura, spokesman for the camp’s “Block 13” area.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-kenya-lgbt-refugees-trfn-idUSKBN2AX1T3

 

 

Two gay men burned in Kenya refugee camp attack

A press release the Minnesota-based Black Immigrant Collective sent to the Washington Blade last week notes “petrol bombs were thrown into a group of LGBTQ+ refugees, allies and their children who live in” Block 13 of the Kakuma refugee camp on the morning of March 15.

“This attack not only set people on fire, but also destroyed beddings and personal belongings as many of the refugees sleep in the open air,” reads the press release.

The spokesperson noted the U.S. in fiscal year 2020 provided $120 million in humanitarian assistance to Kenya through UNHCR and other non-government organizations with which it partners. 

https://www.washingtonblade.com/2021/03/30/two-gay-men-burned-in-kenya-refugee-camp-attack

 

 

 

A group of LGBTI refugees in Kakuma camp say they've been attacked in a series of hate crimes


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_B6iXog6oQ

 

 

 

 

https://www.unhcr.org/ke/18473-unhcr-urges-dialogue-and-peaceful-coexistence-among-refugees-in-kakuma-refugee-camp.html

UNHCR urges dialogue and peaceful coexistence among refugees in Kakuma refugee camp

We are also troubled that, while following up on the incidents reported by this small group, we have found inconsistencies in many of their accounts when compared with information collected by the police and provided by other refugees. These disturbing inconsistencies have been corroborated by organizations working in the camp.

 

We are also concerned by the spreading of information that mischaracterizes the situation in Kakuma on social media. We urge everyone, including individuals living outside of Kenya, to verify information with diverse sources before posting. Misinformation can only increase tensions in the camp and undermine our continued and collective efforts to protect those in need, ensure peaceful co-existence and safeguard the best interest of all refugees, including those with an LGBTI profile.

https://www.unhcr.org/ke/18473-unhcr-urges-dialogue-and-peaceful-coexistence-among-refugees-in-kakuma-refugee-camp.html

 

Within the first few days of reading about this situation, and after reading about the UN cautioning people about the consistency of the LGBT people being severely targeted, it is thanks to the answer from Peter Tatchell confirming that the persecutions against LGBT+ have been occurring for years in Kakuma camp that I did not lessen ‘investigating’.

 

 

C.et: UNHCR document broadcasting doubts about the brutality ongoing in the camp that will have for effect to limit and subdue people activism and effort against perpetrations.

The UN wants people to check information or discredit these victims? LGBT people have suffered years of assaults in the Kakuma camp, the only camp welcoming especially LGBT refugees- already fleeing their country because of having been threatened with death (both by the mob and by the laws) for their sexual orientation. The item above by the UNHCR suggests that reported assaults might not be altogether credible. The LGBT communities there have documented a very high volume of aggressions, helped by the press, and LGBT organisations. LGBT there are regularly beaten, cut, and other ways of physical and sexual aggression. This time two of the refugees have been air transported to Nairobi because of the serious burn injuries sustained during the arson of their unit. Two weeks later the LGBT man who first alerted me and ensured repeated contact over the plight of the LGBT people there, died from the attack. He died from having been set on fire by a petrol bomb coming for him.

In the above report, the UNHCR refers to the Kenyan police whose orders are to arrest and put potentially LGBT people in prison for up to 15 years, following Kenyan laws!

 

 

A never-ending situation since the leading countries tolerate LGBT people's persecution.

 

 

 

Call for Evacuation of LGBTQ+ Survivors from Block 13 Kakuma Refugee Camp



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ5oGhe6wM8

 

 

 

 

Kenya: Victims of Kakuma arson attack airlifted to Nairobi hospital

The horrific act of violence resulted in two refugees — Jordan and Trinidad — being severely burned.

The extensive burns covered huge areas of their bodies, including their feet and legs. For one of the victims, the burns extended to his upper body.

https://76crimes.com/2021/03/22/kenya-victims-of-kakuma-arson-attack-airlifted-to-nairobi-hospital/#comment-24301

 

 

CALL TO ACTION to FREE BLOCK 13 Kakuma And Ways You Can Help

This incident is the latest in a long list of vicious attacks against LGBTQ+ refugees at Kakuma Block 13. Two fire attacks on January 29th and February 15th 2021 saw at least 4 gay men set ablaze by other migrants. LGBTQ+ refugees are unsafe and experience different forms of physical and sexual violence on a daily basis; from beatings and torching to slashing and rape. The slow response by the police and other authorities normalises and perpetuates the violence, vulnerabilities, and indignity experienced by LGBTQ+ refugees. 

Despite years of urging by organisations to act and protect LGBTQ+ refugees at the Kakuma camp, the UNHCR has shown little political will and commitment to intervene. This is in direct violation of UNHCR’s mandate to “aid and protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people, and to assist in their voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement to a third country.”

http://www.houseofdandridge.com/call-to-action-to-free-block-13-kakuma/?fbclid=IwAR3OG92pi7QvEnjdZHIe-DAN0vp7tNnbzTQK14pJycKmF1J7-rMM15zPEfk

 

 

LGBTQ+ Refugees Call for Safety After Spate of Homophobic Attacks in Kenyan Camp

People have been beaten and stabbed in at least five attacks this year.

In December 2018, the UNHCR relocated about 200 LGBT+ refugees from the camp to Nairobi as an emergency measure after a spate of violent attacks against them.

But Kenya requires most refugees to stay in designated camps and some of them were returned to Kakuma. New LGBT+ refugees are also mostly being sent there.

https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/lgbtq-refugees-un-safe-space-kenya-camp-attacks/

 

 

 

Post on Facebook by Nancy Cassy.

The man in this video is a Sudanese refugee living in Kakuma Refugee Camp. He is a violent homophobe. He, with all his friends behind him, invaded Block 13 to threaten LGBTQ+ refugees who live there. He told them "I WILL BURN YOU ALIVE!" He also told them that he is not afraid of the police.

On February 15, 2021 - Hamza, Bashir, and Yassin set on fire while they slept. Still recovering and scarred badly for life. **This man is still walking around free and causing fear among the LGBTQ+ refugees at Block 13.**

March 15, 2021, Chriton and Jordan, quite literally, burned alive. **This man is still walking around free and causing fear among the LGBTQ+ refugees at Block 13.**

The UNHCR says it's investigating. **This man is still walking around free and causing fear among the LGBTQ+ refugees at Block 13.**

April 12, 2021 - Our Trinnie (Chriton) succumbed to the burns, which covered the majority of his body and which were never properly treated, and passed on from this life. **This man is still walking around free and causing fear among the LGBTQ+ refugees at Block 13.**

In an official statement issued just yesterday (April 12, 2021), UNHCR's Kenya Representative said, "We urge the Kenyan authorities to accelerate their investigation into the alleged attack and hold those responsible to account.” **This man is still walking around free and causing fear among the LGBTQ+ refugees at Block 13.**

It has been 29 days since Chriton and Jordan were set on fire while they slept and 57 days since Hamza, Bashir, and Yassin were set on fire while they slept.

https://www.facebook.com/nancy.nopants.98/posts/3115859355316831

 

 

 

https://www.ebar.com/news/news//303961

Out in the World: Death of gay Kakuma refugee spurs LGBTQ Africans' calls for evacuation

Atuhwera, who used the alias "Trinidad Jerry" online.

Fellow Ugandan gay refugee activist, Jordan Ayesigye, remains in critical condition at Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi.

The airlift resulted from pressure put on United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees officials by a social media campaign, the activists said.

According to an unpublished April 11 release obtained by the Bay Area Reporter, Ayesigye "remains without a caregiver and in unsterile conditions where he's prone to infection and inadequate care."

 

 










https://www.ebar.com/news/news//303961

 

 

 

C.et: Trinidad (Chriton Atuhwera), the activist in the camp with whom I was in contact, who interpellated and stirred me into action, has died from his injuries. 

https://www.facebook.com/trinidad.jerry.77

 

 

 

 

 

AIK STATEMENT ON KILLING OF CHRITON ATUHWERA

Chriton Atuhwera was 22 years old and had fled into exile after facing homophobic attacks, stigma, discrimination and violence in his home country Uganda. A poet, a volleyball player and a fan of Miriam Makeba, Chriton was forced to abandon his degree in Business Administration in Uganda after he was targeted because of his sexual orientation.

https://www.amnestykenya.org/aik-statement-on-killing-of-chriton-atuhwera/

 

 

 


Issue by the ‘Block 13 of Kakuma camp’.

 

C.et: Chriton Atuhwera aka Trinidad had been taken in a long ambulance journey on bumpy roads to a place with no burn injuries speciality instead of being air-transported to Nairobi.

 

 

It didn’t get any better at Kenyatta either. There’s reasons the UNHCR didn’t allow their caregivers to go along on the last leg of that journey. Contrary to the UNHCR’s statement that they were “receiving the best care” they received almost none. T

By Nancy Cassie, 13 April at 20:05.

 

I have been told that severe burn injuries are very difficult to treat, they are an open door to lethal infection. But to talk about underlining conditions as contribution to Chriton’ s death like the UN report suggests, after the level of poverty the refugees endure and the level of stress and trauma of being attacked and discriminated against and excluded by nothing less than the supranational institution is properly dismissively disgusting. You know it might be like in Europe, it is people who detest Europe in the first place, who get to rule it (the European sceptics MPs or the corporations whose games is deregulation in order to be rich beyond imagination seeing everybody as a slave, a pawn or nutriment to capitalisation). Those only participate or interfere to show how crippled and corrupted institutions might become, and this in order to get rid of the only structure able to represent the people as a whole, and the planet as a whole hopefully as well, i.e., supranational institutions. It is totally possible that the people responsible for UN failures and total absence and abstention are not the people who say they fight big entities because they need to fight the corruption, but people who want all spheres, the big like the small to be corrupted, and maybe this way it will be easier for them to grab a piece of possible to abuse power or a piece of abusing and abusive control, neglect or abandon.

 

 

 

By Shannon Kern:

I love you, Trinidad Jerry.

[…]. You were expelled from your life with your daughter in Uganda. You missed her beyond words when you laid on the dirt floor of your shack. Kakuma was literally hell. […]. Here is a brief summary of his experience in Kakuma Block 13. “I have been facing through different attacks, from fire burn just few weeks after reaching the camp, denied access to water, stabbed, sliced, nailed and every time have tried to report to police and no one has ever been apprehended but the police simply tells me that they are tired of homosexuals and they simply say go and arrest the attackers.”

https://www.facebook.com/trinidad.jerry.77

 

 

GAY REFUGEE, ERNEST MWERU, who committed SUICIDE by HANGING himself from a tree at the UNHCR compound in Nairobi, Kenya on April 13, 2020.

http://glaa.org/2020/04/14/abused-refugee-hangs-himself-outside-unhcr-office-in-nairobi/

 

Abused Refugee Hangs Himself Outside UNHCR Office In Nairobi

 

This happened after he had been beaten by UNHCR security at the scene where he had gone to request for assistance in terms of food and accommodation following the withdrawal of the financial assistance he and many of his colleagues from Kakuma had been getting from the UNHCR for sustenance. They were abandoned by the UNHCR even when COVID 19 came in without food or accommodation.

http://glaa.org/2020/04/14/abused-refugee-hangs-himself-outside-unhcr-office-in-nairobi/

 

 

Refugee found dead at United Nations compound in Kenya

 

The UN moved hundreds of Ugandan refugees to Nairobi in late 2018, following years during which they were told to stay in Kakuma refugee camp, northwest Kenya. During an October 2018 visit to Kakuma, LGBT refugees told the Irish Times they found it hard to hold down jobs and had been repeatedly assaulted and raped by police and refugees from other backgrounds.

 

In a series of Facebook posts, Refugee Flag Kenya, a gay rights organisation representing refugees, said Mr Mweru had been assaulted when he tried to seek help.

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/africa/refugee-found-dead-at-united-nations-compound-in-kenya-1.4228978

 

 

 

May be a Twitter screenshot of text that says "12:18 LTE Tweet Victor J. Mukasa @vicmukasa Replying to @UNHCR_Kenya @UNHCR_Kenya It is 7am in Kenya & the 2 gay refugees who were set on fire by homophobic refugees in Kakuma Camp haven't seen a doctor since their arrival at Lodwar Hospital yesterday at 1:42 1:42pm. Please airlift the victims to Nairobi for the needed treatment @CALAdvocacy @UNHCRUK 12:06 AM 3/18/21・ Twitter for iPhone"

 

 

 

Gay refugees in Kenya report repeated attacks from locals

For years, Ugandan refugee Mbazira Moses has been typing out emails to dozens of international humanitarian organizations and United Nations officials with a message: LGBTQ refugees at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya need your help.

On Tuesday night, Moses sent out another such email: Over 50 queer refugees camped outside the UNHCR reception center at Kakuma for safety reasons were again attacked

Moses alleged that the refugees were attacked with “knife stabs, stones and clubs,” and included images of people with head injuries. Police hesitated, the ambulance was slow, and the refugees fled through holes and over fences, Moses said. The Turkana locals allegedly blamed the gay refugees for a local drought. Seven refugees were injured.

https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/gay-refugees-kenya-report-repeated-attacks-locals-n1113456

 

 

 

https://gal-dem.com/kakuma-lgbtq-refugees-attacks-kenya/

For LGBTQI+ refugees, UNHCR’s Kakuma Camp is no refuge

Kenya's Kakuma Refugee Camp has been hailed as a world-leading example of its kind. But for LGBTQI+ individuals, it is "hell". Namupa Shivute investigates.

Kakuma is no stranger to global headlines – but they’re usually ones of celebration. Multiple media outlets have heaped glowing praise on camp authorities for their encouragement of entrepreneurship and creativity in its inhabitants. In 2018, Kakuma became the first refugee camp to hold a TEDx event where stories of refugees were shared under the motto “Thrive”. 

Doreen has been struck down weak by malaria. Making contact with her was a struggle. Due to the threat of harassment and violence from cis refugees, as a trans woman, she couldn’t risk waiting in line at one of Kakuma’s three medical centers, which are shared by the entirety of the camp population.

“Once someone is identified or suspected as LGBTQI+, queerphobic mobs aggressively interrogate the individual’s sexuality. Often, aggressors patrol the area around LGBTQI+ shelters or intimidate the community through ‘holding meetings’ close to their shelters”

Kakuma is not supposed to exist in a vacuum though. It’s governed by the UNHCR whose mandate is to protect all refugees.

https://gal-dem.com/kakuma-lgbtq-refugees-attacks-kenya/

 

C.et: read the whole item above.

 

 

 

Update on Kakuma

 

https://filia.org.uk/latest-news/2020/10/18/update-on-kakuma

 

C.et: on this page, videos of people living as refugees in Kakuma.

 

 

 

Asylum for sale: Refugees say some U.N. workers demand bribes for resettlement

A seven-month investigation found reports of U.N. staff members exploiting refugees desperate for a safe home in a new country.

Refugees, current and former UNHCR employees, aid workers and two former U.N. investigators say bribery and corruption are found in a variety of services the UNHCR and companion organizations are charged with providing

Suspected perpetrators are allowed to resign or move to other locations rather than face investigation, according to dozens of refugees and former and current staff.

Three former UNHCR staff members said their employment contracts were unexpectedly terminated after they spoke out about fraud and exploitation or took steps to stop it.

In the past, Pouilly said, scammers have posed as UNHCR officials to defraud refugees

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/asylum-sale-refugees-say-some-u-n-workers-demand-bribes-n988351

 

 

 

https://www.hrw.org/reports/2002/kenyugan/kenyugan1002%20ap%20alter-25.htm

 

Problems Plaguing Resettlement in East Africa

Continuing Problems in Nairobi: The Aftermath of the UNHCR Corruption Scandal

In 1999, evidence came to light that a criminal ring, including some UNHCR staff, had infiltrated UNHCR's office and corrupted its work on status determinations and referrals to resettlement.

 The investigations revealed that refugees had to bribe UNHCR staff between Ksh.50 and Ksh.100 (U.S.$0.60 - U.S.$1.28) to access the offices.80 Later, refugees who wanted resettlement to a third country were asked to pay bribes ranging from U.S.$1,500 to $6,000 per refugee.81 

The criminal ring, involving more than seventy persons, established itself under a UNHCR "management structure" that allowed those "tempted to enrich themselves [to] do so with virtual impunity."84 

The Presumption of "Tainted" Files

One group of refugees interviewed by Human Rights Watch had their files rejected for refusing to cooperate with corrupt officials and were continuing to experience difficulties with their appeals. Refugees caught in this dilemma have spent years trying to remove the "taint" from their status claims. Many have lost all faith in the integrity of the UNHCR system. 

Egregious Delays in Reviewing the "Backlogged" Files

Another group of 3,500 refugees had been waiting in legal limbo since 2001, while UNHCR attempted to put staff in place to re-examine all of their files. As of October 2002, only 225 cases had undergone a thorough eligibility interview

Kampala: Inadequate Resettlement Referrals for Prima Facie Refugees

https://www.hrw.org/reports/2002/kenyugan/kenyugan1002%20ap%20alter-25.htm

 

 

 

 

Amnesty International Report 2020/21

KENYA Republic of Kenya Head of state and government: Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta Police used excessive and sometimes lethal force to enforce a curfew and to disperse peaceful protests; they also carried out extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances. Journalists and bloggers were subjected to harassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrests. COVID-19 movement measures were restrictive and undermined the right to health for women and for people from marginalized groups, and subjected refugees and asylum-seekers to further hardship. Women continued to face inequality. The authorities forcibly evicted thousands of people, and the President disregarded the Constitution by failing to appoint superior court judges.

https://www.nachrichten.at/storage/med/download/288740_202021-air-english_2021-04-01_zz.pdf

 

 

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/geography/researchprojects/migration/imposing_aid/4.html

Should UNHCR involve itself at all in repatriation in circumstances where there is no guarantee that refugees are secure?

But the way in which LWF was implementing the aid programme for returnees in Uganda did not insure that aid would reach those in need. The materials were being sold, apparently by the chiefs who were made responsible for distribution. The 'allegation' that aid was being sold was confirmed in July 1983, when we visited Ariwara market in Zaire. There we found literally mountains of the particular items which were supposed to be distributed in Uganda and this was reported to UNHCR.

Whose interest?

In whose interest are repatriation programmes under such conditions? It is insufficient to explain the persistence of some individuals in promoting them simply in terms of the interests of governments - host, country of origin, or even those governments which support UNHCR. It would appear that once an office has been established and has a budget, such programmes acquire a momentum of their own which overcomes all logic. The evidence suggests that there are those who have a professional stake in the success of a rehabilitation programme are quite prepared to overlook or even to deny hard evidence of the dangers refugees will face if they return home. Others who, like that programme officer in Yei, practise caution, are likely to come in for severe criticism. 

http://www.sussex.ac.uk/geography/researchprojects/migration/imposing_aid/4.html

 

 

 

The Illegal Economy of Refugee Registration: Insights into the Ugandan Refugee Scandal #PublicAuthority

sheds light on one of the central concerns in the Ugandan refugee scandal: the buying and selling of refugee registration.

There have been many reports about Ugandans’ warm welcome for South Sudanese fleeing violence, which may result from memories of being refugees themselves.

Although refugees are welcomed because of the economic opportunities, infrastructure, and services provided to areas where they resettle

https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/africaatlse/2018/03/08/the-illegal-economy-of-refugee-registration-insights-into-the-ugandan-refugee-scandal-publicauthority/#comment-58659

 

 

C.et: Ugandan LGBT themselves refugees in Kenya, since the Ugandan ‘Kill the gays bill’.

https://gal-dem.com/kakuma-lgbtq-refugees-attacks-kenya/

 

 

 

Queer refugees in Kenya’s Block 13 pray for safety

Faced with regular violent attacks and little hope of relocation to a safer place, LGBTQIA+ residents of the Kakuma Refugee Camp feel abandoned by the UNHCR.

They throw stones at you.” 

On that day, however, they did much more. Weak with typhoid fever, Okello struggled to fight back as the group of men took turns raping her. 

“The situation at Kakuma is grave,” says the Refugee Council USA website. “There are minimal opportunities for employment, and cases of disease and malnutrition are very common.” 

“So many things [happen here in Block 13],” says Okello. “It’s too … challenging. The situation is bad. Completely bad. We are facing attacks all the time. Severe attacks all the time. 

Okello explains that because Ugandan refugees in the camp are almost exclusively LGBTQIA+, when someone introduces themselves as Ugandan, it is immediately understood that they are queer. 

https://www.newframe.com/queer-refugees-in-kenyas-block-13-pray-for-safety/

 

 

 

Urgent call on UNHCR to offer protection to LGBTQ+ refugees experiencing brutal attacks in Kakuma Refugee camp

we propose moving the targeted Block 13 to a relatively safe facility within the camp; the largely vacant, fenced and guarded transit center, a few meters from Block 13 would be a good place to start. These injustices to the LGBTQ+ refugee community in Kakuma have been ongoing for a long time, beginning in 2014. A new spate of violence broke out in June 2020, and has been ongoing since. The most recent examples include: LGBTQ+ refugees on block 13 in Kakuma refugee Camp experience frequent, vicious attacks from fellow refugees and the community around them. Women are sexually assaulted and raped. Physical and sexual violence are a daily occurrence on this block.

https://www.justassociates.org/sites/justassociates.org/files/presser_kakuma_final.pdf

 

 

 

Relocate to safety LGBTQ+ Refugees from Block 13, Kakuma Camp, Kenya

Despite years of urging by organisations to act and protect LGBTQ+ refugees at the Kakuma camp, the UNHCR has shown little political will and commitment to intervene. 

https://www.change.org/p/united-nations-high-commissioner-for-refugees-relocate-to-safety-lgbtq-refugees-from-block-13-kakuma-camp-kenya-567cbc17-1bf7-40fe-9c49-3e23ffe61530?signed=true

 

 

 

Inside the nightmares of Africa’s LGBT refugees

NAIROBI, Kenya — Cynthia, an LGBT activist in Burundi, was thrown in jail and beaten up by police after she gave a radio interview defending the rights of gays and lesbians. Upon her release she fled to Kenya. 

Raj, a gay teenager from Kampala, Uganda, was found kissing a boy in his high school locker room and the principal called an all-school assembly to shame him…..

https://www.pri.org/stories/2015-06-26/inside-nightmares-africa-s-lgbt-refugees

 

C.et: article above recounts personal stories of LGBTQ+ before being refugees.

 

 

 

Homosexuality remains illegal in Kenya as court rejects LGBT petition

LGBT activists in Kenya were hopeful that their country would join an emerging trend in Africa. Earlier this year, Angola decriminalised homosexuality while Mozambique did so in 2015. In June, the Botswana High Court will hand down its verdict in a decriminalisation case that has the public support of the country’s president.

https://theconversation.com/homosexuality-remains-illegal-in-kenya-as-court-rejects-lgbt-petition-112149

 

 

 

 

Anti-LGBT groups are making inroads across East Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya — Two years after Ugandan legislators proposed a law that would condemn active homosexuals to death, a precedent is spreading throughout the region.

Across many parts of Africa, homophobic organizations as well as religious and political leaders are increasingly pushing an anti-gay agenda into the public discourse.

One of the early pioneers of anti-gay sentiments by African governments was Zimbabwean dictator Robert Mugabe

https://www.pri.org/stories/2015-06-15/anti-lgbt-groups-are-making-inroads-across-east-africa

 

 

C.et: above item very detailed regarding overall anti LGBT laws in Africa.

 

 

 

IT HAS BEEN MONTHS THAT THE LGBTQ+ HAVE TRIED RISKING THEIR SAFETY ONCE MORE TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT THEIR SITUATION. KENYA, PURSUING THREATS IT HAS LONG AGO STARTED WIELDING, ANNOUNCED THEY PLAN TO CLOSE 2 REFUGEE CAMPS UPON WHICH AROUND 300 000 REFUGEES DEPEND.

 

C.et: Facing what might happen if Kakuma closed, I also pray for the LGBT people not to be forcefully or randomly separated, and that they will be able to stay strong (and living together and loving each other) together. The gays population worldwide does not even benefit from ghettos, there is no place for us.

 

 

UNHCR Statement on the Government of Kenya’s intention to close Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps

 

UNHCR has been informed by the Kenyan authorities of their intention to close Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps within a short timeframe.

https://www.unhcr.org/ke/19849-unhcr-statement-on-the-government-of-kenyas-intention-to-close-dadaab-and-kakuma-refugee-camps.html

 

 

 

Kenya orders closure of two refugee camps, gives ultimatum to UN agency

The Kenyan government’s attempt to close Dadaab in 2016 was informed by intelligence reports showing two large attacks on Kenyan targets in 2013 and 2015 took place with the involvement of elements in the camps. The plan was blocked by the high court, which called the move unconstitutional.

https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-kenya-refugees-idUSKBN2BG1MA

 

 

 

Kenya demands UN close 2 refugee camps

Allusions to terror attacks

Matiang'i said it was the government's task to protect Kenyans — an apparent reference to Al-Shabaab attacks by Islamist militants based in Somalia on Nairobi's Westgate mall in 2013 and Garissa University College in 2015 in eastern Kenya and Kenya intelligence assertions that elements inside the camps had been involved in terrorist planning.

https://www.dw.com/en/kenya-demands-un-close-2-refugee-camps/a-56975213

 

 

 

Kenya gives UN 14-day deadline to close refugee camps

Dadaab, Kakuma refugee camps pose security threat, says Interior Ministry

 

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Wednesday promptly responded to the Interior Ministry, warning of a catastrophe if the refugees are ejected from the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps which have a population of 218,873 and 196,666 registered refugees respectively.

They also said Kenya and Somalia have no diplomatic relationship to continue hosting the refugees there.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/kenya-gives-un-14-day-deadline-to-close-refugee-camps/2186765

 

 

 

The Dadaab and the Kakuma refugee camps in northern Kenya host more than 410,000 people, a small proportion of whom are from South Sudan.

Kenya’s move comes as relations with Somalia worsen following Mogadishu cutting diplomatic ties with Nairobi last December, accusing it of interfering in its internal affairs.

The two nations are also facing off at the International Court of Justice over a maritime boundary dispute, although Kenya has boycotted the hearing of the case.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/3/24/kenya-orders-closure-of-dadaab-kakuma-refugee-camps

 

 

 

The 7 Largest Refugee Camps In The World

1.      Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya (184,550)

It’s currently the world’s largest refugee camp, hosting over 184,000 people. Kakuma is co-managed by Kenya’s Department of Refugee Affairs, and the UNHCR.

The situation at Kakuma is grave. The little infrastructure there is there has been widely overtaxed. There are minimal opportunities for employment, and cases of disease and malnutrition are very common.

2.      Hagadera Refugee Camp, Kenya (105,998)

3.      Dagahaley, Kenya (87,223)

http://refugeecouncilusa.org/largest-refugee-camps/

 

 

 

Less than 5 per cent of global refugee resettlement needs met last year

Resettlement remains a life-saving tool to ensure the protection of those most at risk. 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/11/1078052

 

 

Refugee resettlement numbers fall to lowest in two decades: UNHCR 

Refugee resettlement numbers will be at a “record low” this year, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) said on Wednesday, with only  15,425 people resettled in the first nine months of 2020, compared to more than 50,000 in 2019. 

In 2016, resettlement numbers globally stood at 126,291, according to agency figures. “Current rates point to one of the lowest levels of resettlement witnessed in almost two decades. 

https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/11/1078052

 

 

 

Country Policy and Information Note Kenya: Sexual orientation and gender identity and expression

Kenya: Sexual orientation and gender identity and expression - Gov.uk

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk › file › Ke...

 

Kenya is the only country in the region that accepts LGBTI 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/879496/Kenya_-SOGIE-CPIN-v3.0__GOV.UK_.pdf

 



 <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fvictor.t.mukasa%2Fvideos%2F10158867223609136%2F&show_text=0&width=560" width="560" height="322" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe>


https://www.facebook.com/674569135/videos/10158867223609136/

 


















 

This includes the video accounts below from brave women Susan, Sifa, Shifra, and Jackie who were violently and sexually assaulted:

https://www.facebook.com/674569135/videos/10158867223609136/

https://filia.org.uk/latest-news/2020/10/18/update-on-kakuma

 

 

FOUND BELOW A LINK TO ACTIONS AND CONTACTS OF THE PEOPLE UNDER ATTACK:

(please note that I am only a writer blogging on human rights issues, I do not represent the victims in any manners, I just trying to help by raising awareness about this nightmarish situation, these gross human rights abuses left completely unaddressed by the UN, inside their very walls.)

TO CONTACT THE KUKUMA CAMP ACTIVISTS PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:








 

COULD YOU PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW IN ORDER TO SEE HOW TO HELP BLOCK 13 IN THEIR COMPAIGN OF AWARENESS:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18cW4Y8EWCAuCwEW_a8S2d3Ih8unU0M-zACphKiugDOA/edit?usp=drivesdk

 

 

here some examples of actions you can help Block 13 with:

 

Schedule:

DATE

TIME

CALL TO ACTION

ACTION

TUESDAY, 6 APRIL 

 

(Pre-week of action)

11:30a EST/5:30pm South Africa Time

Tune in: 

 

https://www.facebook.com/thevictormukasashow 

Announcing the Week of Action

 

On the Victor Mukasa Show

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7

All Day

Share the videos far and wide along with the Statement to UNHCR

Umar’s Video - https://youtu.be/wZc1UwmStjc

 

Kato’s Video - https://youtu.be/HAdU7AqeFQM

 

Claire’s Video - https://youtu.be/FnqoKRrqlwU

 

Shrifa’s Video - https://youtu.be/tN9bJ0H8vEo

 

Kevin’s Video - https://youtu.be/meylH8Fg9yE

 

Sign this petition calling on the UNHCR to relocate Block 13 LGBTQ+ refugees to safety

 

Donate to the burn victims’ fund - email Shanice@triangle.org.za

 

(See below for messages and sample social media posts.)

Uplifting Block 13

 

Focus: Videos featuring members of Block 13 at Kakuma Refugee Camp sharing their stories.

 

Additional Context: April 7 is an international day to memorialize victims of the Rwandan genocide. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 8

All Day

Tweet @FilippoGrandi and @FathiaAbdalla of the UNHCR, and UN Special Rapporteurs: @MaryLawlorhrds

@victor_madrigal

@DubravkaSRVAW

 

(See below for messages and sample social media posts.)

Tweet/FB-Storm

 

Focus: targeting UNHCR and UN bodies - 

 

1) Fathiaa Abdalla, UNHCR Kenya and Fillipo Grandi, UNHCR’s High Commissioner

2) Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders

3) Victor Madrigal-Borloz, UN Independent Expert on sexual orientation and gender identity

4)Dubravka Å imonovic (Croatia), United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women

Friday, April 9

All Day

Share the graphics on social media and tag UNHCR.  

 

(See below for messages and sample social media posts.)

Messaging Campaign

 

Focus: 

1) 5-7 graphics featuring international coalition members and quotes

2) Info-graphic about level of violence

Monday, April 12

All Day

Share the statement (http://bit.ly/MedevacNow) OR twitter thread + graphic and tag the following organizations on Twitter:

 

 @Refugees @FrontLineHRD @amnesty @OutRightIntl @Oxfam @ILGAWORLD @COCNederland @hrw @HRC

Tweet/FB-Storm & Statement Release

 

Focus: 

Calling on UNHCR and international organizations to push for the medical evacuation of Trinidad to a safe third country for emergency life saving care.

Tuesday, April 13

TBD

Tune in: 

 

https://www.facebook.com/thevictormukasashow 

Online Forum/Panel

 

On the Victor Mukasa Show Topic: Criminalizing Black QT Refugees - a global conversation & way forward/demands incl meeting with UNHCR

 

Remembering Aneste Mweru: LGBTQ+ refugee, Human Rights Defender, and Kakuma resident who died by suicide at the UNHCR compound in Kenya. 

 

Social Media Toolkit: Graphics & messages that can be used during the Week of Action

 

Twitter Posts



  • The 2nd victim of the fire attack at #Kakuma, Jordan, is also in danger of further complications if he is not evacuated to a more sterile and specialized environment. @FathiaAbdalla, @FilippoGrandi, @UNHCR, @MaryLawlorhrds, @victor_madrigal, @DubravkaSRVAW #FreeBlock13 #EvacuateJordan 



  • We call on #humanrights and #humanitarianNGOs @Refugees @amnesty @OutRightIntl @Oxfam @ILGAWORLD @COCNederland @hrw to organize the immediate medical evacuation of Jordan to a safe country for necessary specialized medical care to save his life #FreeBlock13 #EvacuateJordan

 

Resources:

The following linked documents contain details of these attacks. 

·        March 23rd, Press Advisory

·        Summary of Crisis and Demands

·        Compilation of human rights violations

·        Debunking UNHCR misinformation

·        Timeline of attack since March 2020

·        Counseling report from June 2020

·        Medical report from July 2020

·        Photos and videos

·        Interview and Block 13 protest following March 15th attack [video]

·        Interview following a homophobic assault of three lesbians and a minor in Kakuma Refugee Camp  [video]

·        Call for Evacuation of LGBTQ+ Survivors from Block 13 Kakuma https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ5oGhe6wM8

·        Photos available upon request

 

 

 C.et: Facing what might happen if Kakuma closed, or when the UN will decide to ensure the surviving of the LGBT refugees and find another place, I also pray for the LGBT people not to be forcefully or randomly separated, and that they will be able to live together. To make sure that LGBT cannot be together and form relationships will be in any case to torture, at length until our bodies fall apart and our souls depart, every individual that they would have (en)forced to live alone.



Click on related post: https://www.inthenameofhumanrights.com/p/lgbt-persecutions-still-criminalised-in.html

LGBT persecutions: still criminalised in some 70 countries- including imprisonment and death penalty