Tag: African

LGBTI and All Refugees in grave danger during COVID-19 Pandemic

March 29, 2020

Among the most predictably vulnerable during the Corona Virus pandemic is clearly the world’s refugee and migration population and the most vulnerable of all refugees are LGBTQI refugees, worldwide. Over 70 countries criminalize LGBTI people for their sexuality and gender identity. Many have compromised immune systems, major trauma, and underlying medical conditions, all an added … More LGBTI and All Refugees in grave danger during COVID-19 Pandemic

UNHCR and African HRC COVID-19 Corona Virus Advisories for Refugees in Kenya

March 25, 2020

CAUTION: Please refrain from portraying certain situations inaccurately. We would advise you to be cautious and to verify information and facts prior to circulating unconfirmed COVID-19-related information further.  This can cause an enormous amount of harm to everyone. Be sure of your facts before you post them on Social Media. We caution anyone spreading any information to sure off the … More UNHCR and African HRC COVID-19 Corona Virus Advisories for Refugees in Kenya

Corona Virus – AHRC Kenyan Refugee and U.S. Embassy Advisory

March 16, 2020

African Human Rights Coalition – COVID-19 Advisory- HERE PLEASE KEEP VISITING KENYAN  MINISTRY OF HEALTH FOR UPDATES: The new Coronavirus – called COVID-19 virus causes fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. There is no need to panic. It is VERY IMPORTANT at this time for community to work cooperatively and in unity. It … More Corona Virus – AHRC Kenyan Refugee and U.S. Embassy Advisory

Time for African Governments to step up for LGBTQI Populace

March 13, 2020

Modern Ghana Reports: Africa’s policies hold key to LGBT rights on the continent: here’s how – By Boniface Ushie & Chimaraoke Izugbara & Frederick Wekesah – The Conversation:- Questions of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression have continued to divide opinion across the globe. This is primarily driven by legal, cultural and religious beliefs … More Time for African Governments to step up for LGBTQI Populace

Funding of Protests: Responsible Donors and Funders Context Africa LGBTQI

March 1, 2020

With a Focus on Kenya In a recent advisory written for African Human Rights Coalition it is noted that leadership has a heightened responsibility when staging protests, especially under circumstances that have wide far reaching impacts on entire LGBTQI refugee resettlement and protection programs. There has been widespread appreciation by those impacted, who have expressed … More Funding of Protests: Responsible Donors and Funders Context Africa LGBTQI

African HRC Issues Advisory to LGBTQI Refugees, Activists and Advocates

January 20, 2020

As Executive Director for African Human Rights Coalition, and as a follow up to the articles that have appeared on this BLOG reporting on the complex and disturbing situation involving LGBTQI refugees in Kenya, and more specifically Kakuma Camp, African HRC has issued 2 advisories on its website. Here is a snippet plus links to … More African HRC Issues Advisory to LGBTQI Refugees, Activists and Advocates

Who to Blame as US Ambassador to Zambia Withdrawn

December 26, 2019

The State Department is pulling the US ambassador to Zambia after the country’s president objected to the ambassador’s harsh criticism of the government’s record on gay rights and corruption. This rare and extraordinary move indicates a vast change in American strength of values abroad as we acquiesce to complaints of this nature. Earlier this month, US … More Who to Blame as US Ambassador to Zambia Withdrawn

Refugee Agencies Sue Trump Over Executive Order

November 21, 2019

Today HIAS,  Church World Service (CWS), and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), took Donald Trump to court over his recent executive order giving state and local officials authority to block refugee resettlement in their jurisdictions. These agencies are suing the administration because it is attempting to enact a state-by-state, city-by-city refugee ban. “It was not … More Refugee Agencies Sue Trump Over Executive Order

Kenyan President Demonizes Gays Again

November 9, 2019

In Climate of Escalating Antagonism by Kenyan Authorities toward LGBTI refugees Following the recent endorsement by Kenya’s High Court where it refused to decriminalize Penal Codes criminalizing homosexuality, it is not surprising that President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya has yet again demonized Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community by declaring  homosexuality as unacceptable to Kenyan … More Kenyan President Demonizes Gays Again

SCOTUS Cases Could Dictate Global Harm to LGBTQI Communities

October 8, 2019

When all is said and done there could not be a more serious moment in the lives of LGBTQI Americans and their families – and also for the entire LGBTI world. Any form of inequality or diminishing of our community will serve to justify and hence dictate further global marginalization for all LGBTQI communities. If … More SCOTUS Cases Could Dictate Global Harm to LGBTQI Communities

UK Home Office Abuses against LGBT Asylum Seekers Highlighted in New Report

September 16, 2019

Home Office accuses LGBT church-goers of contradiction. Ban on working and financial destitution forcing LGBT people in need of refugee protection to become dependent upon homophobic acquaintances. Asylum process creating ‘Catch 22s’: LGBT people who don’t know they can claim asylum are then penalised for delays in submitting their applications. A new report has found … More UK Home Office Abuses against LGBT Asylum Seekers Highlighted in New Report

CFI Hosts Educational and Community Screening in Marin of Award Winning Documentary UNSETTLED

September 4, 2019

Dear Friends, African Human Rights Coalition (African HRC) is proud to announce its partnership with California Film Institute (CFI) for the upcoming free community impact and educational screening of the award-winning feature documentary Unsettled: Seeking Refuge in America, in Marin County, California. You are invited to the screening! Bay Area filmmaker Tom Shepard’s powerful new documentary tells the untold stories … More CFI Hosts Educational and Community Screening in Marin of Award Winning Documentary UNSETTLED

Tom Shepard’s UNSETTLED Wins Prestigious OUTFEST, Los Angeles Award

August 2, 2019

With special thanks to the featured asylum seekers and refugees Mari, Cheyenne, Junior and Subhi, for having the courage and fortitude to tell your stories before you had barely landed! Dear Friends, This week I had the great honor of accepting the OUTFEST Los Angeles 2019 juried Best Feature Documentary award for the Film UNSETTLED … More Tom Shepard’s UNSETTLED Wins Prestigious OUTFEST, Los Angeles Award

Justice Sought for Young Brutally Murdered LGBTQI Ugandan

August 2, 2019

A young LGBTQI Ugandan has been brutally attacked and murdered in Gombe, Uganda. According to sources in Kampala Fahad Ssemugoma, 22, known as Legit’ Ferhd Kawere, described by some as gay and as transgender fell victim to violent mob violence at the hands of Boda Boda (motorcycle taxi) riders. There are many rumors spreading on social media … More Justice Sought for Young Brutally Murdered LGBTQI Ugandan

Trump Admin Report on Global Religious Freedom Smacks with Hypocrisy

June 26, 2019

The US Secretary of State Pompeo released the 2018 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom. The report highlighted some of the successes for religious freedom of the past year, such as the release of Pastor Andrew Brunson from Turkey, and of Asia Bibi from Pakistan. But it also pointed to the increasing persecution of believers … More Trump Admin Report on Global Religious Freedom Smacks with Hypocrisy

The Pink Triangle 2019 – What Good is ‘Never Again’ if we Continue to Ignore!

June 23, 2019

Please watch video through to the end… I was going through my archival footage of some speeches I have given in recent years and heading into San Francisco Pride weekend, could not resist posting this on my blog for there first time. (See link below) It was in 2014 that I was most honored to … More The Pink Triangle 2019 – What Good is ‘Never Again’ if we Continue to Ignore!

MASK 01: UNHCR System is Not Working for Persecuted LGBTI Refugees

June 10, 2019

7 MASKS 1 STORY – This is MASK 01 out of 7 MASK stories which will be told each day this week: If you care you will share! For the past ten years I have been working with LGBTQ individuals and communities in several African Countries in the global attempt to thwart homophobia and deal with … More MASK 01: UNHCR System is Not Working for Persecuted LGBTI Refugees

Hostile Host Countries further the persecution of LGBTI Refugees in Africa

March 22, 2019

A Critical frontier for Human Rights Advocacy – Melanie Nathan (2019) – the subject of 2 Articles in global press- Harpers and Mamba-Online – elucidating a critical mess for LGBTQI refugees!  This week two articles have been written by accomplished journalists at two different corners of the world, reflecting on the stories of refugees attempting to avail … More Hostile Host Countries further the persecution of LGBTI Refugees in Africa

Victory for South Africa’s LGBTQ Community as Parliamentary Committee Adopts Critical Amendment

November 28, 2018

In a victory for LGBTIQ equality and same-sex couples in South Africa, the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs in Parliament has adopted a Civil Union Amendment Bill. The Parliamentary Committee’s adoption of the Bill is a major step in the proposed legislation’s journey to becoming law. Our friends at Mamba Online are reporting this fantastic news … More Victory for South Africa’s LGBTQ Community as Parliamentary Committee Adopts Critical Amendment

Inter Parliamentary Union Votes to Ban LGBT Debate as led by Homophobic Ugandan Delegation

October 18, 2018

At the Legislators meeting in Geneva of the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU), a majority voted a ban debate on the subject of LGBT human rights  – and according to Ugandan reports this is a forever-enduring ban. Some nations brought the subject to the floor, in the hope of passing an amendment to include LGBT people in … More Inter Parliamentary Union Votes to Ban LGBT Debate as led by Homophobic Ugandan Delegation

LGBT Resources: OurTownSF Nonprofit Expo 2018

September 26, 2018

“Largest LGBTQ+ Resource Fair Ever to be Held in San Francisco – Theme: “Over the Rainbow” Over 100 local groups serving the LGBTQ+ community will come together for a day of fun and community building in the Castro – offering a whole lot of important information. African Human Rights Coalition will be there and yours truly,  Melanie … More LGBT Resources: OurTownSF Nonprofit Expo 2018

Africa 2018 List of Top Innovators by Quartz

September 23, 2018

The fourth edition is here- of the Quartz Africa Innovators, an annual series identifying some of the most ambitious and imaginative minds on the African continent. The 30 movers and thinkers on this list range across fields from the arts and science to technology and entrepreneurship and beyond. In congratulating all, I recommend reading the details and … More Africa 2018 List of Top Innovators by Quartz

African Despots Benefit from Taxing and Restricting Social Media

July 8, 2018

Mo Ibrahim called internet shutdowns “a crime” that shouldn’t be tolerated. Authoritarian governments, despots and dictators stand to benefit from restricting social media and making it unaffordable! The trend to tax social media and clamp down on internet use is quietly spreading across African countries and they seem to be influencing each other. Ugandans may want … More African Despots Benefit from Taxing and Restricting Social Media

Condemn Trump’s Cruel Separation of Babies from Moms – Join National Day of Action for Children

May 30, 2018

African Human Rights Coalition condemns the Trump administration assault on immigrants and asylum seekers: The Trump Administration has escalated the separation of families at the border, at great cost to the wellbeing and health of infants, toddlers, children and families. This insidious attempt to deter lawful immigration thwarts the intent of U.S. law, which is to grant asylum to … More Condemn Trump’s Cruel Separation of Babies from Moms – Join National Day of Action for Children

American Sharon Slater Trying to Stop Sex Education in Africa

May 29, 2018

American Family Watch International (FWI)  Misuses its UN Status to Preach Abstinence Trying to Stop Sex Education under the Guise of Sexualization of Children. United States rightwing forces, helmed by Family Watch International and its President Sharon Slater, are exerting their colonialist muscle to prevent and inhibit sex education to Africa’s youth. The ignorant propagandist … More American Sharon Slater Trying to Stop Sex Education in Africa

Case Moved Forward: El Paso Detention of Gay Man Seeking Asylum

May 22, 2018

Appeal from African Human Rights Coalition to support Asylum Seeker work: Dear Friends, In addition to  humanitarian and advocacy work, African HRC has been providing pro bono Country Conditions Reports and expert testimony for LGBTI asylum seekers from African Countries. I am writing to draw your attention to the case of Peter, (real name withheld) … More Case Moved Forward: El Paso Detention of Gay Man Seeking Asylum

Ugandan Minister of Ethics Bans HIV/AIDS Conference

May 14, 2018

It is hard to believe that in 2018, this is still happening: Ugandan Ethics and Integrity Minister, Simon Lokodo, has blocked an HIV/Aids conference, saying it was organized to promote “homosexuality and other dirty things.” ALL AFRICA: In an interview with the Daily Monitor on Wednesday, Fr Lokodo said the conference organized by the Uganda … More Ugandan Minister of Ethics Bans HIV/AIDS Conference

Unsolved Robberies and Murders as Uganda Fails to Protect Human Rights Defenders

March 22, 2018

Break-ins and violence against security personnel of human rights organizations seems endemic in Uganda, as elucidated in an article penned by an Ugandan human rights defender, who concludes that the State is failing to protect its human rights community, with police refusing to see human rights defenders as community partners: ADRIAN JJUUKO, Executive director of Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) … More Unsolved Robberies and Murders as Uganda Fails to Protect Human Rights Defenders

When it Comes to the Trump Shithole Comment The Proof of the Pudding is in the Eating!

February 11, 2018

President Trump’s “shithole” comment on immigrants from unspecified countries in Africa, as well as those from Haiti and El Salvador, is reflected in the numbers. In the year after Trump took office, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reported a drop in total number of overall “removals”—except for African migrants who have seen a … More When it Comes to the Trump Shithole Comment The Proof of the Pudding is in the Eating!