Tag: Human 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

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

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

Lawyers Denied Access to LGBTI Group in Ugandan Prison Pending Trial

April 24, 2020

Today, 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 lawyers by refusing to grant permission to the lawyers to access … More Lawyers Denied Access to LGBTI Group in Ugandan Prison Pending Trial

Important COVID-19 Virus Pandemic Resources for Immigrants, Advocates and Allies

April 22, 2020

The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) at Hastings in San Francisco has compiled a bilingual (English/Spanish) COVID-19 resource guide for immigrant communities, advocates, and allies. Protecting the health of our most vulnerable community members during the COVID-19 pandemic, while continuing to fight for their rights. On this page HERE is a list of … More Important COVID-19 Virus Pandemic Resources for Immigrants, Advocates and Allies

Trump Scapegoats Immigrants Attempting to Deflect from Failed Pandemic Response

April 21, 2020

Last night Donald Trump current President of The United States,  announced by tweet plans to issue an executive order temporarily suspending all immigration to the United States. Comments in  response: Decrying the Trump Threat to Suspend Immigration Karen Musalo, Director of the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS), shared the following comment: “Once again, … More Trump Scapegoats Immigrants Attempting to Deflect from Failed Pandemic Response

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

Concern as COVID-19 Restrictions Trigger Escalated Human Rights Abuses in Uganda

March 30, 2020

Following my post yesterday ( referenced below) where Ugandan authorities raided a homeless shelter, beating people and threatening beatings in exchange for confessions as to sexuality, reflects not only an abuse of basic human rights, but also an insidious and opportunistic excuse to cite COVID-19 as a justification to victimize the most vulnerable.  As well … More Concern as COVID-19 Restrictions Trigger Escalated Human Rights Abuses in Uganda

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

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

Ugandan Artist Brings Asylum LGBTQ Dialogue to San Francisco Debut

January 12, 2020

LEILAH BABIRYE Gwe Is Ye Nze, Lekka Mbele Nze (You Are Not Me, Let Me Be Me) 15 January – 28 February 2020 Artist dialogue with human rights advocate Melanie Nathan: Saturday 18 January, 10 AM  Rebecca Camacho Presents 794 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA 94109 UNTITLED, ART San Francisco  Booth C11 16 January – … More Ugandan Artist Brings Asylum LGBTQ Dialogue to San Francisco Debut

Queer Asylum in Germany: More Needed for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum in Germany

December 14, 2019

Queer Asylum in Germany: Better visibility and access to legal and social support needed for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum in Germany Human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity are grounds for seeking asylum in Europe. However, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) people claiming asylum face particular legal and social … More Queer Asylum in Germany: More Needed for LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum in Germany

African HRC Urges Caution with Introduction by the US Senate Global ACT

December 11, 2019

While in general I am  pleased that we are covering some serious issues, make sure manner and implementation is not imposing – Melanie Nathan of African Human Rights Coalition  is urging caution on LGBTQI Global Rights – Melanie Nathan The Washington Blade Notes: “Three U.S. senators on Tuesday introduced a bill that would require the … More African HRC Urges Caution with Introduction by the US Senate Global ACT

UN Renews Mandate of Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Independent Expert

July 12, 2019

UN Renews Crucial Mandate for Protection Against Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identit In a defining vote, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution to renew the mandate of the Independent Expert focusing on the protection against violence and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. … More UN Renews Mandate of Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Independent Expert

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!

UN LGBT Expert Says Policymakers are Making Preconceived Prejudiced Decisions

June 17, 2019

Sexual orientation and gender identity: policymakers are taking decisions in the dark, says UN expert Information about the lived realities of LGBT people around the world is, at best, incomplete and fragmented, but in most countries it is simply non-existent, said the United Nations Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual … More UN LGBT Expert Says Policymakers are Making Preconceived Prejudiced Decisions

Jubilation as Botswana High Court Rules to Decriminalize LGBTI

June 11, 2019

Botswana became the latest country to decriminalize LGBTI individuals  Tuesday when the High Court rejected as unconstitutional sections of the penal code that punish same-sex relations with up to seven years in prison. Jubilant activists in the packed courtroom cheered the unanimous decision in the southern African nation. It came less than a month after Kenya’s … More Jubilation as Botswana High Court Rules to Decriminalize LGBTI

U.N Body to Declare Parts of Italian Reproductive Law contrary to International Law

March 29, 2019

LOYOLA’S INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS CENTER PERSUADES U.N. BODY TO DECLARE PARTS OF ITALIAN REPODUCTIVE LAW CONTRARY TO INTERNATIONAL LAW LOS ANGELES – The International Human Rights Center (IHRC) at LMU’s Loyola Law School, Los Angeles has secured a favorable ruling from the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in a challenge to … More U.N Body to Declare Parts of Italian Reproductive Law contrary to International Law

ACLU Letter to the UN on Death of Migrant Child at the hands of Trump Administration

February 14, 2019

ACLU LETTER TO THE UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF MIGRANTS CONCERNING THE DEATH OF MIGRANT CHILD FELIPE GÓMEZ ALONZO This letter calls on the U.N. human rights expert to examine U.S. failure to conduct an independent investigation into Felipe’s death in CBP custody. The letter also calls attention to U.S. government failure to … More ACLU Letter to the UN on Death of Migrant Child at the hands of Trump Administration

Condemnation of New Illegal Migration Protection Protocols

December 20, 2018

San Francisco, CA (December 20, 2018) – The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) denounces the new Migration Protection Protocols (MPP) announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) this morning. Under this new policy, asylum seekers arriving at the United States’ southern border will be forced to wait in Mexico for the duration … More Condemnation of New Illegal Migration Protection Protocols

Botswana Africa’s Next Hope for Decriminalization of Homosexuality

December 6, 2018

The Botswana High Court has announced that it will finally hear a case on the decriminalization of homosexuality next year:  According to our friends at Mamba Online, the full bench of the court ordered that a hearing challenging the constitutionality of sections 164(a), 164(c) and 167 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes same-sex sexual activities … More Botswana Africa’s Next Hope for Decriminalization of Homosexuality

Enforcing Civil Rights Law After Masterpiece Cakeshop and Trinity Lutheran.

November 28, 2018

Columbia Law Scholars Issue Memorandum on Civil Rights and Anti-discrimination Laws Religion, Discrimination, and Government Funding:  Enforcing Civil Rights Law After Masterpiece Cakeshop and Trinity Lutheran. November 28, 2018: The Public Rights/Private Conscience Project (PRPCP) at Columbia Law School has published a memorandum that clarifies the responsibility of state and local human rights agencies and … More Enforcing Civil Rights Law After Masterpiece Cakeshop and Trinity Lutheran.

South Africa’s LGBTQ March Calling Shame on Tanzania and Uganda

November 28, 2018

It is imperative that South Africa lead the movement to decriminalize homosexuality in Africa. And two major events have occurred this past month in South Africa, in what seems to me an historic push for such leadership.  Earlier this month Johannesburg Pride took the bold move of sending an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, … More South Africa’s LGBTQ March Calling Shame on Tanzania and Uganda

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

Africa Brief – Tanzanian Gay Hunt, Cameroon Turmoil, Expat Somalis Win U.S. Elections and More…..

November 11, 2018

Cameroon’s Anglophone crisis has turned into a full-scale propaganda war. The return of 78 kidnapped schoolchildren this week has led to an exchange of allegations between Cameroon’s government and Anglophone militant separatists claiming the other side was responsible, reports Amindeh Blaise Atabong from Yaoundé. Meanwhile, TV journalist Mimi Mefo Takombo has been detained indefinitely by … More Africa Brief – Tanzanian Gay Hunt, Cameroon Turmoil, Expat Somalis Win U.S. Elections and More…..

Speaking Out Against Trump Asylum Seeker Political Stunt

November 2, 2018

VIA CNN:  United States President Donald Trump on Thursday claimed he would sign an executive order “next week” aimed at restricting US asylum rules, as he seeks to use a group of Central American migrants heading for the US border as part of his midterm election closing argument. He also suggested that the US troops … More Speaking Out Against Trump Asylum Seeker Political Stunt