Tag: asylum seekers

UNHCR Briefing Note LGBTQI+ Refugees in Kenya, Oct 2022

November 7, 2022

UNHCR Briefing Note – LGBTIQ+ Refugees and Asylum-Seekers in Kenya, dated October 2022, dispels lies circulating on social media. Note AHRC Commentary at end. This briefing note provides an overview of UNHCR Kenya’s efforts to improve the overall protection environment for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) refugees in Kenya, including how we … More UNHCR Briefing Note LGBTQI+ Refugees in Kenya, Oct 2022

San Francisco Pride Main Stage Speech with a Rousing Intro to Something Serious

June 30, 2022

This past Sunday at SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE, 2022, I had the great honor to present, on San Francisco Civic Center Plaza Main-Stage, an historic and poignant PRIDE video greeting from UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Dr. Filippo Grandi, preceded by the courageous voices of LGBTQI+ people in forced displacement.   In a world where over … More San Francisco Pride Main Stage Speech with a Rousing Intro to Something Serious

UK Expulsions to Rwanda Especially Egregious for LGBTQI+ Asylum Seekers

June 13, 2022

Melanie Nathan, Executive Director of African Human Rights Coalition and publisher of this BLOG- (nathan@AfricanHRC.org): On June 11, 2022 Human Rights Watch sent a letter to the United Kingdom Home Secretary, Priti Patel who has now scheduled the first flight carrying people for June 14. Asylum seekers sent to Rwanda are then to be processed … More UK Expulsions to Rwanda Especially Egregious for LGBTQI+ Asylum Seekers

The UK’s Off-Shoring of Asylum Process is Anti-Asylum and Anti-LGBTQI+

May 26, 2022

The United Kingdom published its safety assessment on Rwanda, intended to justify a recently announced agreement to send asylum seekers crossing the English Channel or other so called “irregular” or dangerous routes to the Central African country, for processing. An off-shoring of asylum! Britain was one of the first countries to ratify the Refugee Convention … More The UK’s Off-Shoring of Asylum Process is Anti-Asylum and Anti-LGBTQI+

Unacceptable Biden and Harris Admin Hypocrisy on Title 42

March 30, 2022

By Melanie Nathan, March 30, 2022 JUST END IT PRESIDENT BIDEN – WITH THE STROKE OF A PEN! NOW! If the Biden administration does not immediately LIFT TITLE 42 – then it is clearly turning its back on LGBTQI asylum, seekers and all the others waiting at our borders since TRUMP instituted the policy. If … More Unacceptable Biden and Harris Admin Hypocrisy on Title 42

Israel Good News for Sudanese Asylum Seekers

January 28, 2022

The Israeli interior ministry has acceded to a court ruling and is beginning to grant temporary residence status to 2,445 Sudanese asylum seekers this year. HIAS reports that it represents hundreds of such asylum seekers, the majority of whom live without social services or health benefits. About 435 HIAS clients were included in the Sudanese … More Israel Good News for Sudanese Asylum Seekers

Title 42 in Federal Court Today – Biden Admin Continues Trump Anti-Asylum Policy

January 19, 2022

Huisha-Huisha Case hearing today – Title 42’s only purpose is to keep people from seeking asylum in the U.S. and inflict suffering. @POTUS: #WelcomeWithDignity NOW. <div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" Groups challenging the Biden administration over Title 42 expulsions are arguing in federal court today against the continued implementation of the policy. Title 42 is an obscure … More Title 42 in Federal Court Today – Biden Admin Continues Trump Anti-Asylum Policy

Immigrant Advocates Rally in San Francisco to End Expulsions to Haiti and Defend Black Migrants

October 14, 2021

Today asylum seekers, advocates, and allies rallied on the steps of San Francisco City Hall demanding an end to Title 42 expulsions and other policies that harm Black people seeking safety in the United States. The groups gathered as part of a National Day of Protest in defense of Black immigrants called by the Haitian … More Immigrant Advocates Rally in San Francisco to End Expulsions to Haiti and Defend Black Migrants

Ghana and the New Hateful Anti LGBTI Draft Bill

July 29, 2021

Ghana is launching into anti-LGBTQI swampland that will bring violence and danger to LGBTQI individuals in that country, as well as risk the nations standing with regard to international AID and tourism. Draft anti-gay legislation submitted to Ghana’s parliament may legislate up to 10 years in prison for LGBTQI individuals as well as groups those … More Ghana and the New Hateful Anti LGBTI Draft Bill

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

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

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

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

Canadian Court Strikes Down Safe Third Country Agreement with United States

July 22, 2020

Marin, CA (July 22, 2020) –  The Federal Court of Canada,  returned an historic decision today, striking down the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) between Canada and the United States. The decision from Justice Anne Marie McDonald found the agreement to be unconstitutional, holding that it violates the guarantee in the Canadian Charter of Rights and … More Canadian Court Strikes Down Safe Third Country Agreement with United States

URGENT CALL TO ACTION: Save Asylum Seekers from Trump’s New Rule to Slaughter American Asylum

July 14, 2020

We have the opportunity to speak up and stop the Trump administration’s latest anti-asylum rule from ever taking effect. Submit your comment today! https://bit.ly/3fgvqh6 #SaveAsylumAsylum is under attack, but we can all fight back TODAY. Submit a public comment and share your support for asylum seekers. The Trump administration will be required to read and … More URGENT CALL TO ACTION: Save Asylum Seekers from Trump’s New Rule to Slaughter American Asylum

UNHCR Statement on Psychosocial Services Includes LGBTI Refugees in Kakuma, Kenya

July 13, 2020

UNHCR is deeply concerned by a number of messages we have received in recent days from individuals outside of Kenya indicating that they have been the recipients of information concerning a small group of refugees and asylum seekers in Kakuma camp who have self-identified as LGBTI and have expressed feelings of trauma and, in some … More UNHCR Statement on Psychosocial Services Includes LGBTI Refugees in Kakuma, Kenya

THANK YOU GLOBAL PRIDE 2020 FOR THE HONOR FROM KAKUMA

June 26, 2020

African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC), hand in hand with refugees at Kakuma Camp in Kenya, had the great honor to represent African countries and refugees leading the Main Stage opening, at GLOBAL PRIDE 2020 with its VIDEO message. Worldwide, we were all so disappointed when we realized we could not take to our streets this … More THANK YOU GLOBAL PRIDE 2020 FOR THE HONOR FROM KAKUMA

Trump Loses in Federal Court as Deportation of Boy under Public Health Laws Halted

June 24, 2020

Federal Court Again Blocks Removal of Honduran Youth in First Challenge to Trump Administration’s Illegal Border Expulsion Order – Judge Says Trump Order Likely Unlawful A federal court has once again provisionally blocked the deportation of a Honduran boy in the first legal challenge to the Trump administration’s order restricting immigration at the border based on … More Trump Loses in Federal Court as Deportation of Boy under Public Health Laws Halted

VOTE for Welcome – Campaigning for Candidates who will stand up for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

June 12, 2020

Since Trump began his 2016 presidential campaign he jhas made a concerted effort to attack immigrants. For almost 4 years, we have lived through constant attacks – most especially on asylum seekers, refugees, Muslims and People of Color, hardest hit by Trump’s xenophobic racist overt trajectory toward hateful policies. The 2020 elections are approaching and … More VOTE for Welcome – Campaigning for Candidates who will stand up for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

George Floyd’s Murder Reflects on an America that is Unsafe for African Refugees and Asylum Seekers

May 31, 2020

African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC) Statement on how the Murder of George Floyd Denotes America Unsafe for Refugees and Asylum Seekers from African Countries at this time: African Human Rights Coalition expressed its condolences and outrage on social media the moment we saw the video evidencing the cold blooded murder of George Floyd, a black … More George Floyd’s Murder Reflects on an America that is Unsafe for African Refugees and Asylum Seekers

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

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

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

DHS MUST STOP Anti-Asylum Seeker Policy

April 16, 2020

African Human Rights Coalition is a proud signatory to this letter, in coalition with CGRS, tASISTA, the Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, Tahirih Justice Center, and over 180 other organizations, which was sent today to Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, calling on DHS to immediately rescind its policy of expelling asylum seekers at … More DHS MUST STOP Anti-Asylum Seeker Policy

On the 40th Anniversary of the U.S. Refugee Act

March 17, 2020

Message from African Human Rights Coalition on this Historic anniversary: “Today is the 40th anniversary of the Refugee Act, the landmark legislation signed into law by President Jimmy Carter on March 17, 1980, that established the contemporary U.S. refugee resettlement program and asylum system. This legislation reflects the values of the American people. That we are bound … More On the 40th Anniversary of the U.S. Refugee Act

UNHCR: World Response to COVID-19 Must Focus on ALL Including Displaced Persons

March 13, 2020

AHRC ADVISORY:  In the face of the sudden uncertainty and vulnerability of the COVID-19 virus as it spreads, our thoughts are with the millions of displaced people around the world. During this time we will continue to advocate in solidarity and for durable solutions for refugees and asylum seekers. Not everyone is at risk for … More UNHCR: World Response to COVID-19 Must Focus on ALL Including Displaced Persons

Ninth Circuit Halts Trump Administration’s Forced Return to Mexico Policy

February 28, 2020

San Francisco, CA (February 28, 2020) – Today the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the Trump Administration’s dangerous Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), the policy which forcibly returns asylum seekers to Mexico to await their immigration court dates in perilous conditions. The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and … More Ninth Circuit Halts Trump Administration’s Forced Return to Mexico Policy

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

LGBTQI Asylum Seekers Need Exemption Under New Trump Asylum Policy

September 16, 2019

Melanie Nathan, African HRC: “Now that the U.S. Supreme Court is allowing the new Trump policy to stand while the question of its legitimacy continues through the Courts,  LGBTQI Asylum Seekers must be given a policy exemption under the Trump asylum policy, providing certainty, rather than relying on mere discretion given to USCIS and border agents.” … More LGBTQI Asylum Seekers Need Exemption Under New Trump Asylum Policy