Tag: refugee

Message: Within Post Massacre Unity we Cannot be Silent while U.S. President still Promotes its Motivation

March 16, 2019

SPEAK OUT NOW!  In the wake of the New Zealand terrorist attack, perpetrated in the name of white nationalism, we are learning that the terrorist, in his 87 page Manifesto, specifically cited U.S. President, Donald Trump, as is his motivator.   The massacre has led to religious denominations unifying in condemnation of the attacks and … More Message: Within Post Massacre Unity we Cannot be Silent while U.S. President still Promotes its Motivation

Danger for Asylum and Children with the Trump-McConnell Bill

January 24, 2019

CGRS Calls on Senate to Reject Trump-McConnell Bill, Reopen Government San Francisco, CA (January 24, 2019) – The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) urges the Senate to reject the “End the Shutdown and Secure the Border Act,” which was introduced by President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell earlier this week. The Trump-McConnell … More Danger for Asylum and Children with the Trump-McConnell Bill

LGBT Refugee Peaceful Protest Turns Violent at UNHCR Compound in Kenya

December 11, 2018

Kenya is a hostile host to LGBTI refugees:– Thirty LGBTI Refugees in Kakuma Camp, Kenya, mostly Ugandans participating in an approved peaceful demonstration, tried to deliver a document to UNHCR, but after being refused entry into the compound were viciously attacked by police.  I have reached out to UNHCR for comment and will update accordingly. The conditions … More LGBT Refugee Peaceful Protest Turns Violent at UNHCR Compound in Kenya

Denouncing Termination of TPS for El Salvador

January 9, 2018

San Francisco, CA  – The Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) denounces the Trump Administration’s heartless decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 200,000 Salvadoran nationals who have been part of our communities for many years. Revoking their status is profoundly inhumane and will exacerbate conditions of violence and instability in El … More Denouncing Termination of TPS for El Salvador

The 9th Circuit’s Xmas Gift to Trump: Slaps Down Trump’s Travel Ban a Third Time

December 22, 2017

Ninth Circuit Slaps Down Trump’s Travel Ban a Third Time: Via The Recorder : The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld an injunction against the third iteration of President Donald Trump’s travel ban executive order Friday. The court, which heard oral arguments in the case last month, ruled that Trump exceeded his authority … More The 9th Circuit’s Xmas Gift to Trump: Slaps Down Trump’s Travel Ban a Third Time

Is Trump Purposely Defying Travel and Refugee Court Orders

June 1, 2017

By Melanie Nathan, Executive Director African Human Rights Coalition. Or Mere Incompetence of the Trump Administration In my capacity as the Executive Director of the African Human Rights Coalition, I advocate on behalf of LGBTI refugees in Africa. Since Donald Trump took office the program has been anything BUT smooth sailing!  When Trump took office … More Is Trump Purposely Defying Travel and Refugee Court Orders

Pictures of Police Using Force on LGBTI Refugees in Kenya outside UNHCR gates

May 13, 2017

This is an update reflecting some new pictures:  We wrote an article this week following the story of 18 LGBTI refugees detained and beaten by Kenyan police while outside UNHCR gates: In general when a refugee escapes war or persecution by entering a host country, they can be assured of support and protection, as by … More Pictures of Police Using Force on LGBTI Refugees in Kenya outside UNHCR gates

African HRC Issues Press Statement as Trump ‘s Anti Refugee Order Hurts LGBTI Refugees

March 6, 2017

Below is the Statement at African Human Rights Coalition on Trump’s new anti Refugee Order and Muslim Ban.  I am noticing that few to none news outlets are speaking out about the impact of the Trump Executive Order on LGBTI refugees – calling it ONLY a Muslim Ban. We speak out against the Muslim Ban as well as … More African HRC Issues Press Statement as Trump ‘s Anti Refugee Order Hurts LGBTI Refugees

10 Facts Showing Trump is Lying that LGBT People Support Him

June 15, 2016

I have been watching the Trump bullshit machine at work. The man cannot seem to think logically beyond his shoot from the hip rhetoric.    After the Orlando massacre, a tragedy that left 49 LGBT people dead, most of whom are Hispanic, and  immigrants or children of  immigrants, Trump gave several speeches, where he suggested that … More 10 Facts Showing Trump is Lying that LGBT People Support Him

LGBT Refugees Panic as Kenyan Government Announces Closure of Refugee Camps

May 10, 2016

The Government of Kenya has announced that it intends to close all refugee camps in the country, and while UNHCR implores Kenya to reverse this decision, we await information as to how they plan to deal with what could be a severe crisis.  LGBT refugees, after seeing the headlines, are now extremely stressed and uncertain … More LGBT Refugees Panic as Kenyan Government Announces Closure of Refugee Camps

Ugandan Journalist Refugee Arrives in Miami After Speaking Against the Anti Gay Legislation

November 26, 2015

After much courage and hardship we welcome Andrew Ssebulime, a young hero, to America. An extraordinary journey by a resilient young man. Now our hope is that the Miami community will embrace Andrew and make him feel welcome! By Melanie Nathan, November, 25, 2015. A  journalist, who fled Uganda in fear of his life, has … More Ugandan Journalist Refugee Arrives in Miami After Speaking Against the Anti Gay Legislation

HELP to Express Outrage as 47 Turncoat Democrats Vote Against Syrian Women and Orphan Refugees

November 21, 2015

hese Democrats allowed themselves to get hauled into a vote on minimal notice and were suckered into the Republican narrative, without doing extensive research. That one terrorist in Paris turned us against refugees is a sign of cowardice and gives the terrorists the upper hand, a victory. We have allowed them to further victimize the most vulnerable victims of their murderous campaign. I am ashamed of these Democrats – truly ashamed!

… More HELP to Express Outrage as 47 Turncoat Democrats Vote Against Syrian Women and Orphan Refugees

BBC Report on Ugandan LGBT Refugees in Kenya Speaks to Regret

November 10, 2015

While Failing to Note that the Choices are Few to None! By Melanie Nathan, November 09, 2015. Here is a BBC TV report for which I provided consultation.  I have posted the BBC transcript report here.  The TV version with pictures can be seen on the BBC website. The report  while providing crucial exposure, leaves … More BBC Report on Ugandan LGBT Refugees in Kenya Speaks to Regret

Vote OPDG for National Diversity Awards 2015

June 19, 2015

June 19, 2015, By Oblogdee. The African Lesbians, gays, bisexual, transgender and intersex organization Out and Proud Diamond Group (OPDG) , based in the United Kingom, has been nominated in UK National Diversity Awards 2015 under the category of Community organizations. These awards celebrate the excellent achievements of grass- root communities that tackle the issues … More Vote OPDG for National Diversity Awards 2015

Xenophobic Mayhem and Murder may make South Africa a Skunk Nation yet again

April 17, 2015

Xenophobia a Scourge and Scapegoat felt by all immigrants also impacting LGBT refugees By Melanie Nathan, April 17, 2015. The sordid side of South Africa, reared its ugly head this past week, as Xenophobic mobs attacked foreigners and immigrants, causing at least 5 deaths in the Durban area. This brewing inferno, which spread to other … More Xenophobic Mayhem and Murder may make South Africa a Skunk Nation yet again

From Congo to Castro UNHCR Resettles Persecuted LGBTI Activist in the U.S.A.

December 16, 2014

Welcome Home Junior! By Melanie Nathan, December 16, 2014. I first met Junior Mayema back in 2011 when I was invited to keynote speak at Cape Town Pride’s Pink Gala in South Africa. At the time Junior, approached me along the Pride parade route. He told me that he was an LGBTI refugee from the … More From Congo to Castro UNHCR Resettles Persecuted LGBTI Activist in the U.S.A.

ORAM’s New Uganda report on Sexual Orientation and Gender Minorities

November 5, 2014

Geneva, November 3, 2014 As Uganda debates the re-introduction of an Anti-Homosexuality Bill, ORAM publishes a comprehensive Country of Origin Report on the conditions of LGBTI individuals in the country ORAM has published an extensive report titled “Country of Origin Report: Sexual and Gender Minorities – Uganda.” The  report includes an extensive case law section, … More ORAM’s New Uganda report on Sexual Orientation and Gender Minorities

Ugandan Case Dismissed Against Two Accused Under Anti-Gay Penal Code

October 22, 2014

By Melanie Nathan, October 22, 2014. Two Ugandans charged under a draconian anti-homosexuality Penal Code in Uganda have had all charges against them dismissed by the Magistrates Court, in Buganda. The charges in the case of Uganda v. Mukisa Kim and Mukasa Jackson, Criminal Case No. 0085 of 2014 have been dropped as the prosecution, … More Ugandan Case Dismissed Against Two Accused Under Anti-Gay Penal Code

EU recognizes Gay asylees as new social group

July 16, 2013

As a result of asylum applications lodged by three gay men from Sierra Leone, Uganda and Senegal, seeking refugee status in the Netherlands, with all noting they have a well-founded fear of persecution in their home countries based on their sexual orientation, the EU’s Advocate General,  Eleanor Sharpston, said on July 11, that applicants for … More EU recognizes Gay asylees as new social group

UK Breaks Pledge to not Deport Gay and Lesbian Asylum Seekers

October 31, 2012

Deportation of LGBT refugees continues Government breaks its pledge of a safe haven By Melanie Nathan, Oct 31, 2012 The deportations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) asylum seekers have not ceased are continuing, despite government pledges to ensure their refuge in the United Kingdom.  According to a Press Statement by Peter Tatchell, Director … More UK Breaks Pledge to not Deport Gay and Lesbian Asylum Seekers

Deportation to Anti-Gay Uganda | Past and Future of Gay Detainee Joseph Bukombe

February 3, 2012

Editor’s Advocacy Note:   The Obama Administration has indicated via recent memo and speeches the strong support for International LGBT human rights. As an activist in this arena we implore upon the administration to not mince their words and to show action as well here on home turf!  That would include protecting asylum seekers such as … More Deportation to Anti-Gay Uganda | Past and Future of Gay Detainee Joseph Bukombe

Thanks to Readers: Gay Asylum Detainee Joseph Bukombe is Home For XMAS

December 24, 2011

by Melanie Nathan, Dec 24, 2011. Thanks to all the seventy donors who contributed to bail for Joseph Bukombe, who was released from Otay Mesa  detention center in San Diego late last night. He enjoyed his first meal with friends in San Diego at a Kenyan restaurant  and wanted to express his deep appreciation to … More Thanks to Readers: Gay Asylum Detainee Joseph Bukombe is Home For XMAS