Category: Africa

Undermining Protection in the EU: Report on Proposed Pact on Migration and Asylum

June 3, 2021

Members of the European Parliament have been discussing the proposed EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. The Commission presented the Pact last September as a “fresh start,” promising to create a comprehensive, regional approach to asylum and migration. Eight months later, negotiations continue with agreement far from sight. The EU is long overdue to establish … More Undermining Protection in the EU: Report on Proposed Pact on Migration and Asylum

44 Arrested at Shelter in Uganda’s Anti-Gay Hunt

June 2, 2021

44 Arrested at Shelter in Uganda Under Suspicion of Being LGBTQI with forced Anal Exams Below is the Report and request for assistance from the Human Rights Legal Team in Uganda. It is our belief at African Human Rights Coalition that this group was targeted under suspicion that it is a shelter for homeless LGBTQI … More 44 Arrested at Shelter in Uganda’s Anti-Gay Hunt

Trans Women Get 5 Years Jail in Cameroon and America is Silent

May 23, 2021

Several years ago at an event in San Francisco I asked renowned trans American Actress Laverne Cox if she would be interested in speaking out for transgender people who are being criminalized in African countries. She was on an event stage when asked the question, and in front of all present answered along the following … More Trans Women Get 5 Years Jail in Cameroon and America is Silent

In Ghana 21 Suspected Lesbians and Gays Hunted, Stormed, Arrested

May 21, 2021

“We must share this story – to bring awareness, as to criminalization and the homophobia and transphobia that drives it. Often resulting in obscuring the lines between justice, law and how it is used to hunt humans and persecute.” Melanie Nathan, Executive director African Human Rights Coalition.   Police in Ho, Ghana, have arrested 21 … More In Ghana 21 Suspected Lesbians and Gays Hunted, Stormed, Arrested

Statement by UN Human Rights Experts on IDAHOT

May 15, 2021

“Certain narratives, coupled with false affirmations presented as science-backed fact, feed the fake notion that there is an inherent conflict between these rights of religious freedom and the basic human rights of LGBT individuals. This manufactured contradiction then becomes another tool that perpetuates and aggravates their sociocultural exclusion.” On behalf of the African Human Rights … More Statement by UN Human Rights Experts on IDAHOT

Uganda Passes Onerous Sexual Offenses Act and Impact on LGBT Individuals

May 6, 2021

Here is the HRAPF Analysis of the newly legislated Ugandan Sexual Offenses Act, 2021: While HRAPF notes that the “The Act does not specifically target LGBT persons, sex workers or persons living with HIV since its aim is to consolidate criminal provisions on sexual offenses generally. However, many of its provisions directly affected these criminalised … More Uganda Passes Onerous Sexual Offenses Act and Impact on LGBT Individuals

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

UNHCR Updates on Injured LGBTQI Refugees from Kakuma Fire

March 19, 2021

Following is the latest in several UNHCR updates regarding the condition of two LGBTQI refugees in Kakuma Camp, Kenya, who were burned in a fire where arson, under investigation, is suspected: “Update on the situation of the two persons who suffered burn injuries in the 15 March 2021 fire in Kakuma: As notified in our … More UNHCR Updates on Injured LGBTQI Refugees from Kakuma Fire

UNHCR Seeks Urgent Access to Asylum Seekers Denied by Tanzanian Government

February 28, 2021

AHRC joins UNHCR in appealing for access to detained asylum-seekers in Tanzania On Thursday, as Executive Director of African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC), I received an urgent message of distress from a group of refugee/ asylum seekers in Tanzania who noted that they were about to be “deported” back to their home country, Uganda. They … More UNHCR Seeks Urgent Access to Asylum Seekers Denied by Tanzanian Government

Protests Erupt Worldwide as Bobi Wine Speaks from House Arrest

January 22, 2021

Protests erupted around the world today condemning the results of Uganda’s Presidential election earlier this month. National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential candidate, Parliamentarian Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine remains under inexplicable house arrest, surrounded by Ugandan military troops under the orders of dictator Yoweri Museveni, who has declared victory in the Ugandan Presidential election, and hence … More Protests Erupt Worldwide as Bobi Wine Speaks from House Arrest

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

U.S. Ambassador Denied Access to Ugandan Presidential Candidate Bobi Wine under House Arrest

January 18, 2021

Two days ago, Uganda’s dictator, President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in office for over 34 years, declared himself to be the winner for a sixth term in last week’s highly contested Presidential election in Uganda. Many believe the election was rigged and won by contender, Parliamentarian Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, a singer popular among … More U.S. Ambassador Denied Access to Ugandan Presidential Candidate Bobi Wine under House Arrest

American Jewish World Services Implicated in the Allegations against Ugandan Lawyer Nicholas Opiyo

December 26, 2020

Museveni seeks to scapegoat Gays again for his political purposes… weaponizing anti-gay sentiment to rally the vote – while brutally oppressing opposition Last week Ugandan Human Rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo was seized by security forces in Kampala. Some days thereafter it was alleged by Ugandan police that he has been arrested on corruption related charges. … More American Jewish World Services Implicated in the Allegations against Ugandan Lawyer Nicholas Opiyo

Renowned Human Rights Attorney Abducted or Detained in Uganda

December 23, 2020

This week we received word from Uganda that renowned human rights lawyer and Executive Director of Chapter Four, Nicholas Opiyo, has been abducted and is being held in some form of unlawful detention by Ugandan security forces. There are disputing reports about the nature of the detention.   This comes on the heels of several … More Renowned Human Rights Attorney Abducted or Detained in Uganda

Pandemic reduces Heroes and Zeroes to a Reflection on 2020

December 21, 2020

Each Year I write a top 10 Heroes and Zeroes. This year it is very simple! Or should I say Pandemic worn down – renders it simple- The Heroes in each and every category are LGBTQI asylum seekers and refugees and the Zeroes are Donald Trump,  his grifter family and each and every single Republican … More Pandemic reduces Heroes and Zeroes to a Reflection on 2020

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

Together We Stand Holiday Gifting Certificates for LGBTQI Refugees

November 27, 2020

African Human Rights Coalition works with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender (LGBTQI) individuals who have been displaced due to persecution, discrimination and in many cases extreme violence.   To support African HRC Safe Shelter Programs we offer attractive and informative TOGETHER WE STAND Gifting Certificates ,where supporters can donate in the name of friends, colleagues, and loved … More Together We Stand Holiday Gifting Certificates for LGBTQI Refugees

Uganda’s Dictator Museveni Arrests Opposition Politicians – Free Hon. Nabilah

November 21, 2020

In the middle of the night, my friend, Hon. Nabilah Naggayi Ssempala, uploaded a video to her Facebook, with the caption “I am being hounded out” – soon after that – it became apparent that she had been seized and detained in what appears clearly to be a violent unlawful arrest and taken to an unknown … More Uganda’s Dictator Museveni Arrests Opposition Politicians – Free Hon. Nabilah

People Power Ugandan Presidential Hopeful Bobi Wine Arrested for Holding Rally

November 18, 2020

Nov 18, 2020, By Melanie Nathan The popular Robert Kyagulanyi,  opposition Member of Parliament (MP), otherwise known as Bobi Wine, who is running for President opposing Ugandan dictator Yoweri Musevni, was arrested today, yet again. He has been detained at Nalufenya Police station and charged with an act likely to cause the spread of an … More People Power Ugandan Presidential Hopeful Bobi Wine Arrested for Holding Rally

Ethiopia Headed Toward Disaster and Major Refugee Crisis

November 18, 2020

The escalating civil war in Ethiopia is crossing borders, revealing massacres, and headed toward a major disaster, with a likely refugee crisis that will crush an already stretched system. There are over 70 million displaced people worldwide, a daunting task for UNHCR, agencies, civil, societies and governments involved. Africa is at its limits and refugees … More Ethiopia Headed Toward Disaster and Major Refugee Crisis

LGBTQI Refugees Hard Hit with Trump Refugee Ceiling for 2021 a Record Cruel Low

October 29, 2020

Each year, the Presidency of the United States uses its Presidential Determination (PD) to set the maximum number of refugees that will be admitted into the United States for the following year.  Donald Trump just officially set the refugee admissions ceiling  for 2021 to 15,000, after delayed consultations with Congress finally took place. Once again, … More LGBTQI Refugees Hard Hit with Trump Refugee Ceiling for 2021 a Record Cruel Low

Ugandan Officials Summoned with Criminal Charges in COSF Shelter Case

August 19, 2020

With the Men Perceived as LGBTI – All said and done if ever there is a case exposing the exploitation of criminalization of gay people, they is that case. It is time for all countries to decriminalize sexuality and gender identity.  On May 20, I reported in an article entitled, “Ugandan LGBTI Detainees Released from … More Ugandan Officials Summoned with Criminal Charges in COSF Shelter Case

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 outraged by attack Killing 18 IDP’s in Cameroon

August 4, 2020

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, strongly condemns an unprovoked and brutal attack on a site hosting 800 internally displaced people (IDPs) near the village of Nguetchewe, … More UNHCR outraged by attack Killing 18 IDP’s in Cameroon

Preview Hateful New Film by American Family Association – And then Donate to those they Persecute

July 31, 2020

Please DONATE to African Human Rights Coalition (African HRC) (AHRC) www.AfricanHRC.org/donate – and the let the haters, American Family Association, know that their FILM spurred you to donate to those they persecute ….. The vehemently homophobic purveyors of conversion therapies, American Family Association will be spewing more anti-LGBTQ myth in their newest documentary, In His Image, … More Preview Hateful New Film by American Family Association – And then Donate to those they Persecute

Trump Must Stop destroying the US Asylum System

July 31, 2020

First Appeared in Gay Star News: We must stop Trump from destroying the US asylum system 20 JUL 2020 by Melanie Nathan. In his 2016 election campaign, Donald Trump claimed Mexico was offloading ‘rapists’ at the border. And he vowed his administration would no longer accept this. Four years later, his trajectory of scapegoating and … More Trump Must Stop destroying the US Asylum System

Press Release: July 30 ELEPHANT REFUGEES World Premiere at Sonoma Film Festival

July 29, 2020

PRESS RELEASE: For Immediate Release: Contact: Melanie Nathan, for Dream Out Loud Films, Nathan@AfricanHRC.org ELEPHANT REFUGEES WORLD PREMIERE AT SONOMA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL A film by LOUISE HOGARTH 2020 / 81 Minutes / BOTSWANA / USA Screening Format DCP NTFS/MAC A crisis of elephantine proportions, playing out in the dry sandy Kalahari woodlands of eastern Botswana unfolds … More Press Release: July 30 ELEPHANT REFUGEES World Premiere at Sonoma Film Festival

Responding to Trump Killing Asylum

July 20, 2020

In his 2016 election campaign, Donald Trump claimed Mexico was offloading ‘rapists’ at the border. And he vowed his administration would no longer accept this. Four years later, his trajectory of scapegoating and lies has yielded the Department of Homeland Security and the Executive Office of Immigration Review’s new rule. This rule effectively destroys the asylum process … More Responding to Trump Killing Asylum