Category: PANDEMIC

Biden Dedicated Docket Unfair for Asylum Seekers

May 28, 2021

CGRS Concerned Biden Policies Will Undermine Fairness, Endanger Refugee Families The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) is deeply concerned by today’s announcement that the Biden administration will begin fast-tracking asylum cases for certain families seeking refuge. By establishing a “dedicated docket” for asylum-seeking families, the administration will sacrifice fairness in the name of … More Biden Dedicated Docket Unfair for Asylum Seekers

Statement on LGBTQI Refugees in Kakuma, Kenya

March 25, 2021

Yesterday news came down of an ultimatum given to UNHCR by the Kenyan Government, declaring the imminent closures of Dadaab and Kakuma Camps, Kenya. The Statement can be read HERE.This statement has occurred in the context of life for LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers seeking protection and resettlement from Kenya. The Kenyan Government has maintained … More Statement on LGBTQI Refugees in Kakuma, Kenya

Marin County Supervisors and Town Councils Cowardly on Drake Anti-Slave Name Change

March 10, 2021

When I moved to Marin County in 1995, ten years after immigrating to the United States, with Los Angeles my first stop, I had this overwhelming feeling that I was back in Apartheid South Africa. Marin was the white Northern Suburbs of Johannesburg, Marin City was Alexandria Township, Oakland was Soweto – and need I … More Marin County Supervisors and Town Councils Cowardly on Drake Anti-Slave Name Change

President Biden’s Swift Immigration Action brings added Hope for LGBTQI Refugees

January 20, 2021

Thanking President Biden on Quick Immigration Action with a Hope for added considerations for LGBTQI refugees and asylum seekers Newly inaugurated President Joe Biden signed several executive orders today including the repeal of the Trump administration’s travel bans, which barred people from many African and Muslim-majority countries from coming to the United States. The Biden administration … More President Biden’s Swift Immigration Action brings added Hope for LGBTQI Refugees

Trump’s Parting Gift to Asylum Seekers is abject Hate and Revenge

December 10, 2020

“I think it is even worse. I think he knows that this could be the most revengeful parting gift he is capable of delivering to the human rights world and Americans who care!”  Melanie Nathan San Francisco, CA (December 10, 2020) – Today the Trump administration announced the publication of sweeping regulations that will make it virtually impossible … More Trump’s Parting Gift to Asylum Seekers is abject Hate and Revenge

Celebrating Human Rights Day calls for Complaint

December 10, 2020

In congratulating Bhutan’s Parliament for decriminalizing SOGI today, we call on all Nations who house draconian Colonial laws to do the same… The Universal Declaration of Human Rights The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a milestone document in the history of human rights, drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions … More Celebrating Human Rights Day calls for Complaint

Emergency Funding for LGBTQI Refugees and Asylum Seekers

December 7, 2020

EMERGENCY FUNDING: LGBTQI people are criminalized in over 70 countries around the world, of which over 30 are in Africa. This has resulted in persecution, ostracization and physical attacks by governments, community, and even family and friends. Resulting in the need  to exile from one’s own country to seek safety. The stories are many and overwhelmingly … More Emergency Funding for LGBTQI Refugees and Asylum Seekers

AHRC Greetings for a Shana Tova this Jewish New Year 5781

September 18, 2020

Rosh Hashana starts the Jewish New Year. It is a time for renewal and leading into the ‘Days of Awe’ it is a time for contemplation and atonement For many of us this has been an extremely difficult year and we wonder about our World: COVID-19 Over 30 million cases of the deadly Corona-Virus and … More AHRC Greetings for a Shana Tova this Jewish New Year 5781

AHRC Submits Comment Opposing the EOIR and USCIS New Trump Proposed Asylum Rule

August 10, 2020

On July 9 the Trump administration introduced yet another hateful asylum rule – this time exploiting pandemic fears and weaponizing specious public health claims against asylum seekers. African Human Rights Coalition submitted its public comments today. We urge as many people as possible to speak out against this shameful attack on asylum seekers. An outpouring of comments … More AHRC Submits Comment Opposing the EOIR and USCIS New Trump Proposed Asylum Rule

UNHCR Statement on Conflict in Kakuma Refugee Camp Kenya

July 10, 2020

UNHCR urges dialogue and peaceful coexistence among refugees in Kakuma refugee camp UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, called today for enhanced dialogue among refugee communities living in Kakuma to help reduce the tensions which have emerged in a specific area of the refugee camp. In recent weeks, UNHCR has received conflicting reports from different communities … More UNHCR Statement on Conflict in Kakuma Refugee Camp Kenya

Trump Trounces Trans with Healthcare Discrimination

June 12, 2020

New Federal Regulations Encourage Health Care Discrimination Against Transgender People New York, NY – Today the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a devastating new rule that would invite insurance companies, hospitals, and health care professionals to illegally deny transgender people care despite protections mandated by the Affordable Care Act. The … More Trump Trounces Trans with Healthcare Discrimination

187 Organizations Call on UN’s HRC for States COVID-19 Protection of LGBTI

June 5, 2020

The pandemic is exposing and deepening existing discrimination, violence and other human rights violations on the basis of SOGIESC, organizations tell the Human Rights Council 187 of organizations call on States to protect LGBTI persons’ human rights in the context of COVID-19 outbreak Today, African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC) joined a coalition of 187 organizations … More 187 Organizations Call on UN’s HRC for States COVID-19 Protection of LGBTI

Trump Chokes America with Teargas and the Asphyxiation of our Rights

June 1, 2020

All the while weaponizing the Bible WE CANNOT BE SILENT: At the White House:  African Human Rights Coalition condemns in the strongest terms the unconscionable behavior of Donald J. Trump, and his Republican Party today. He lashed out attacking the American people by stripping them of their basic constitutional rights, with the use of force, … More Trump Chokes America with Teargas and the Asphyxiation of our Rights

STOP Trump’s Wolf and Redfield from Exploiting COVID-19 Against Asylum Seekers and Children

May 27, 2020

Over 250 Organizations Call on Trump’s Wolf and Redfield to Stop Exploiting COVID-19 Against Asylum Seekers and Unaccompanied Children Today African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC) participated, along with 250 organizations, as a signatory to a letter sent to DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and CDC (Center for Disease Control) urging the TRUMP administration to restore … More STOP Trump’s Wolf and Redfield from Exploiting COVID-19 Against Asylum Seekers and Children

Public Health Urges COVID-19 Test for All Workers

May 26, 2020

MARIN PUBLIC HEALTH – Urges COVID-19 Test for All Workers  Free testing available for those in grocery, construction and other industries San Rafael, CA – Marin County Public Health is calling on all businesses and employees working during the COVID-19 pandemic – especially where workers have frequent contact with the public – to utilize free COVID-19 … More Public Health Urges COVID-19 Test for All Workers

Because I love You: COVID-19 Study Shows One Week Cost 54,000 Lives

May 21, 2020

If the measures had been in place two weeks earlier, on March 1, the death toll would be 54,000 lower. Friends I am posting this because I love you! Lets not make the same mistake twice and truth be known we cannot fully trust public officials – especially those who seem to place money before … More Because I love You: COVID-19 Study Shows One Week Cost 54,000 Lives

Please Take Action: U.S. Congress Must Help Refugees in COVID-19 Planning

May 20, 2020

You can Help by taking action together: Right now, Members of Congress are again discussing legislation to provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. We must make sure that refugees are included in receiving that support. Ask your senator to include refugees in COVID-19 relief legislation. The economic effects of this crisis are disproportionate, and refugees … More Please Take Action: U.S. Congress Must Help Refugees in COVID-19 Planning

IDAHOT 2020 LGBTI Refugees and UNHCR Breaking the Silence

May 16, 2020

IDAHOT – International Day Against Transphobia and Homophobia, IDAHOT: 2020 Theme BREAK THE SILENCE Today, May 17th is the day millions of people around the world commemorate IDAHOT, a special day, to raise awareness and commit further to impact the right to liberty, equality, justice and happiness for LGBTI people around the globe. However violence … More IDAHOT 2020 LGBTI Refugees and UNHCR Breaking the Silence

Ugandan Detained Youths Subject to Torture of Anal Exams after Raid of Homeless Shelter

May 15, 2020

AND CALLS FOR ACTION Today, after a lengthy Court battle to attain access to detained clients, the Ugandan Prisons authorities gave  HRAPF’s legal advocates unfettered access to the COSF-19 at Kitalya Mini Maxi Prison. The group were arrested after Ugandan police opportunistically used the COVID-19 emergency to target gays in its ongoing persecutory hunt of … More Ugandan Detained Youths Subject to Torture of Anal Exams after Raid of Homeless Shelter

COVID-19 Emergency Response by ALLOUT, African HRC, REFCEA to LGBTI Refugees in Kakuma Camp

May 11, 2020

Here is the current posting from African Human Rights Coalition website, with thanks for COVID-19 RESPONSE: African Human Rights Coalition (African HRC – AHRC) would like to thank all partners, donors and refugees involved in the various COVID-19 emergency related food and sanitization distributions at Kakuma Camp during April and May. DONATIONS TO ALLOUT FOR COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE … More COVID-19 Emergency Response by ALLOUT, African HRC, REFCEA to LGBTI Refugees in Kakuma Camp

Gov. Newsom Announces Steps to Ensure California’s 2020 Election Safe and Accessible,

May 8, 2020

Gov. Newsom Announces Executive Order That Takes Steps to Ensure California’s 2020 Election Is Safe and Accessible, More Action Needed   Voting rights advocates call on the state legislature to mandate safe, accessible in-person voting locations and to appropriate funds necessary to make California’s November 2020 election a success Voting rights advocates applaud the Executive Order … More Gov. Newsom Announces Steps to Ensure California’s 2020 Election Safe and Accessible,

Tanzania’s president idiocy as three MPs die and Covid-19 spikes

May 2, 2020

Tanzania’s president is under pressure after three MPs die in 11 days and Covid-19 cases spike. Tanzania’s president John Magufuli has described Covid-19 as a “demon” and declared all places of worship remain open because they are where “true healing” will be found. Magufuli has also been relatively relaxed about instituting movement restrictions or lockdowns … More Tanzania’s president idiocy as three MPs die and Covid-19 spikes

Fun-Filled Event at the Heart of Alight, AHRC and Refugee LGBTI Community Alliance in COVID-19 Response

April 30, 2020

African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC) is pleased to partner with our friends at ALIGHT for the ongoing OUR KITCHEN TABLE initiative.  Together with the LGBTI community in Kenya, we are collaborating through this programming in our joint quest to mitigate the hardships that the COVID-19 Pandemic is bringing to LGBTI refugees in Kenya, to support safe shelter, food and hygiene needs … More Fun-Filled Event at the Heart of Alight, AHRC and Refugee LGBTI Community Alliance in COVID-19 Response

Police at Kakuma Send LGBTI Protesters back to Shelters under COVID-19 Health Concerns

April 30, 2020

Yesterday we reported and on the group of some 50-60 LGBTI refugees who had left their community shelters at Kakuma Camp in Kenya for the UNHCR Compound at the Camp, staging a protest and asserting security concerns, with demands to leave the camp, which is not possible under encampment laws and COVID-19 new rules. The … More Police at Kakuma Send LGBTI Protesters back to Shelters under COVID-19 Health Concerns

Bay Area Regional Shelter-in-Place Orders Extended as Some Rules Ease

April 29, 2020

Health Officers caution that reducing restrictions too quickly could lead to a substantial resurgence of COVID-19 San Rafael, CA –The seven Bay Area Public Health Officers who ordered a Shelter-In-Place in mid-March will extend the orders through May 31 while some restrictions are eased and tools to strengthen containment of COVID-19 are put into place. The … More Bay Area Regional Shelter-in-Place Orders Extended as Some Rules Ease

Citing COVID-19 AHRC Urges Kakuma Participants of LGBTI Sit-In to Return to Shelters

April 29, 2020

“African HRC urges potential protesters to consider the good of all and refrain at this time from this sit-in, which could have a detrimental impact to one’s resettlement later on, as any arrests under COVID-19 will likely be recorded on people’s portfolios which the foreign embassies examine when selecting candidates for resettlement.” African HRC (AHRC) … More Citing COVID-19 AHRC Urges Kakuma Participants of LGBTI Sit-In to Return to Shelters

Certificate of Urgency issued in Ugandan Anti-Gay COVID-19 Case

April 28, 2020

Further to our reporting on the case against the COSF-19 where on Friday 24th April 2020, Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) filed a case before the Civil Division of the High Court of Uganda challenging the denial of the 19 LGBT persons currently on remand at Kitalya Mini Maxi Prison access to their … More Certificate of Urgency issued in Ugandan Anti-Gay COVID-19 Case

Meeting Participation: Marin Board Of Supervisors Moratorium on Evictions

April 27, 2020

Board Meeting: Tuesday, April 28th, at 9:00 a.m. or thereafter Effective March 24, 2020, residential and commercial tenants throughout Marin County may not be evicted because of a sudden loss of income tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. This Resolution applies to all rentals in every city, town, and unincorporated area of Marin County and lasts … More Meeting Participation: Marin Board Of Supervisors Moratorium on Evictions

Bay Area Counties to Extend and Revision Current Shelter-in-Place Orders

April 27, 2020

Joint Statement and Press Release: Bay Area counties extend shelter-in-place orders through end of May: From the Seven Bay Area Health Officers on Upcoming Extension and Revisions to the Current Shelter-in-Place Orders: This global pandemic of COVID-19 is still in its early stages: We expect to be responding to COVID-19 in our communities for a long … More Bay Area Counties to Extend and Revision Current Shelter-in-Place Orders

UNHCR Response to COVID-19 urging International Community support for refugees

April 25, 2020

And calls on the international community to continue its valuable support to refugees, asylum-seekers and host communities during this unprecedented situation. As the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic continues, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, notes the increasing challenges faced by refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable populations, and calls for continued solidarity. UNHCR appreciates the … More UNHCR Response to COVID-19 urging International Community support for refugees