Tag: refugee

The Sad Reality of America today: A Refugee’s Good news Bad News is Good news

October 25, 2024

By Melanie Nathan, Oct 25, 2024. I advocate for LGBTQI+ people from African countries who have been forcibly displaced dues to extreme persecution and violence.  We seek durable solutions to include resettlement to third countries for refugees.  This is a tough task especially when most refugees have no choice but to seek protection in  hostile … More The Sad Reality of America today: A Refugee’s Good news Bad News is Good news

2023 The Year Africa Called for the Genocide of Gays

January 7, 2024

Never before has the anti homosexuality climate on the continent of Africa been at such a heightened fervor as it has been in 2023. President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, a predominantly Christian country in East Africa, has lashed out against the gays by saying he is abhorred by the idea of same-sex marriage and that … More 2023 The Year Africa Called for the Genocide of Gays

California Law to give Refuge to Trans Kids Seeking Escaping Criminalizing U.S. State Laws

June 29, 2022

Senator Scott Wiener’s Legislation to Provide Refuge for Trans Kids and Their Families Passes Assembly Public Safety Committee Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco)’s legislation to provide refuge for trans kids and their families, Senate Bill 107, passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee by a vote of 5-2. SB 107 will protect trans kids and their … More California Law to give Refuge to Trans Kids Seeking Escaping Criminalizing U.S. State Laws

American Refugees: Texas Governor is a Putin to Trans Kids and Families now in Forced Displacement

March 8, 2022

Imagine in the midst of transition being told your authentic gender is not acceptable to the State you live in! – You are taking life saving medication that you must immediately cease and so you are forced to leave your home. As forcibly displaced Americans – one is a refugee in one’s own country – … More American Refugees: Texas Governor is a Putin to Trans Kids and Families now in Forced Displacement

From Refugee to Nobel Laureate

October 8, 2021

“An unending exploration driven by intellectual passion is present in all his books, and equally prominent now, in ‘Afterlives’ (2020), as when he began writing as a 21-year-old refugee.” Yesterday the Nobel Institute announced its 2021 Laureate, Abdulrazak Gurnah, “for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the … More From Refugee to Nobel Laureate

Closing Speech at Malmö Key Points on LGBTQI+ Refugees and Asylum Seekers

August 21, 2021

Key points in Melanie Nathan’s Closing Keynote, held at World Pride, Copenhagen, 2021,Human Rights Conference and Refugee, Asylum and Immigration Summit, Malmö, Sweden The REFUGEE, ASYLUM & IMMIGRATION SUMMIT in Malmö included people with lived-experience, human rights defenders, and those who we hold responsible for the legislation, policies and services that ultimately impact and saves … More Closing Speech at Malmö Key Points on LGBTQI+ Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Biden Reverses Cruel Reversal for Refugee Admissions Cap

April 16, 2021

Today, the Biden administration made the shocking announcement that the U.S.’s refugee admissions cap this year will remain at its all-time low level of 15,000. Melanie Nathan of African Human Rights Coalition joined a chorus of advocates immediately criticizing the move. Nathan noted, “How can the Biden admin endorse and amplify the cruelty of the … More Biden Reverses Cruel Reversal for Refugee Admissions Cap

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

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

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

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

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

Ninth Circuit Strikes Down Transit Ban as it Violates Asylum Law

July 6, 2020

San Francisco, CA (July 6, 2020) –A federal appeals court has upheld a block on the Trump administration’s attempt to make individuals who traveled through a third country on the way to the United States before arriving at the southern border ineligible for asylum, with very limited exceptions. The lawsuit, East Bay Sanctuary Covenant v. Barr, … More Ninth Circuit Strikes Down Transit Ban as it Violates Asylum Law

UNHCR Reminds about the Importance of respecting Kenyan Law

July 3, 2020

Any activists providing funding that has served to assist refugees to leave Kakuma Camp, need to be aware that they are aiding and abetting in the commission of crime that could subject the refugee to detrimental repercussions that negatively impact chances of resettlement. Refugees in host country Kenya are asked not to break the law.  It … More UNHCR Reminds about the Importance of respecting Kenyan Law

UNSETTLED: Seeking Refuge in America – Broadcast Premiere

June 23, 2020

UNSETTLED follows LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers from Africa and the Middle East as they flee persecution to seek safety in the U.S. A documentary film by Tom Shepard Airs on WORLD Channel via local PBS stations – June 28 (and on WorldChannel.org from (June 28-July 12) and radio/ live streaming interview with Tom Shepard, Melanie … More UNSETTLED: Seeking Refuge in America – Broadcast Premiere

African HRC Launches Video Pride Message from LGBTQI Refugees in Kakuma Camp

June 19, 2020

Yes, you may have a sneak preview – though official launch is 11 am PST tomorrow at the event LGBTQ Pride and Migration 2020 tomorrow June 20th for World refugee Day. This Saturday we invite you to join African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC) as we celebrate World Refugee Day with PRIDE, honoring the brave and … More African HRC Launches Video Pride Message from LGBTQI Refugees in Kakuma Camp

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

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

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

Protesting In Kenya Dangerous for LGBTI Refugees

March 6, 2020

From African Human Rights Coalition HERE: A WARNING Regarding Refugee Protests 2020-03-06 | AFrican HRC, Volunteer Staff WARNING: WE ARE URGING LGBTI REFUGEES IN KENYA TO READ OUR ADVISORY BELOW AND CONSIDER REFRAINING FROM PROTESTS ANYWHERE IN KENYA AT THIS TIME WE ARE URGING POTENTIAL FUNDERS OF PROTESTS TO NOTE THIS ADVISORY To ALL refugees in Kenya: … More Protesting In Kenya Dangerous for LGBTI Refugees

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

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

Under Threat of WE WILL KILL YOU ALL Another LGBTI Person Beaten in Uganda

October 20, 2019

We have received a report from Uganda that another member of the LGBTI community has been brutally beaten with a threat “we will kill you all.” The number of beatings and murders of gay people in Uganda has been on the rise since recent hateful rhetoric delivered by Ugandan Government officials, including the threat to … More Under Threat of WE WILL KILL YOU ALL Another LGBTI Person Beaten in Uganda

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

MASK 05: Mistreatment of Lesbian Asylum Seeker Reveals Corrupt South African Officials

June 14, 2019

7 MASKS 1 STORY – This is MASK 05 out of 7 MASK stories which will be told each day this week: If you care you will share! If you have been following the series and already read this intro, you can skip to the header MASK 05, below: For the past ten years I have … More MASK 05: Mistreatment of Lesbian Asylum Seeker Reveals Corrupt South African Officials