Tag: UNHCR

LGBTI Refugees in Kenya Dialogue for Financial Solutions

March 14, 2020

The Refugee Coalition of East Africa,(RefCEA) a strong body of refugees representing LGBTQI refuges in Kenya, is proving how dialogue and compromise can lead to solutions, through a series of meetings in Kenya. These meetings are undoubtedly serving the best interests of the tenuous LGBTQI refugee program’s ability to survive its stress and tests in … More LGBTI Refugees in Kenya Dialogue for Financial Solutions

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

LGBTQI Refugee Coalition in Kenya Calls for Dialogue Not Protest

March 9, 2020

RefCEA Responds to Cessation of Funding with a call  for a Community Planning Session: First Reported at AFRICAN HRC HERE. Tuesday 10 March 2020, NAIROBI, KENYA – In recent weeks, HIAS (the Refugee Trust of Kenya) announced the cessation of funding for urban refugees located in greater Nairobi. These LGBTQI refugees were transplanted from the … More LGBTQI Refugee Coalition in Kenya Calls for Dialogue Not Protest

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

U.S. States, UNHCR, CGRS Call on the Ninth Circuit to Block Asylum Ban 2.0

October 18, 2019

…… Trump delivering refugees into the hands of their persecutors…. San Francisco, CA – Earlier this week, the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) filed an amicus brief in East Bay Sanctuary Covenant v. Barr, the lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s most far-reaching attempt to slam the door on asylum seekers, the third country asylum rule. Dubbed “asylum ban 2.0” by advocates, … More U.S. States, UNHCR, CGRS Call on the Ninth Circuit to Block Asylum Ban 2.0

New Investigative Article Reveals Abysmal Path for LGBTI Refugees in Africa

June 12, 2019

“Ultimately, Nathan believes that the current asylum system is broken for LGBTI asylum seekers and cannot offer them adequate protection. It is “virtually impossible to guarantee safety to someone who is LGBTI and on African soil,” she said. I first started communicating with Annie Hylton and Malia Politzer almost 2 years ago. They were interested … More New Investigative Article Reveals Abysmal Path for LGBTI Refugees in Africa

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

UNHCR Calls out the Violent Kenyan Police Attack on LGBT Refugees

December 13, 2018

African HRC and other advocates have been requesting UNHCR plan for the safe protection and humane living conditions for LGBTQ refugees in Kakuma Refugee Camp for several years, with only slight ad hoc and ultimately ineffective results. The harsh conditions and insecurities led to a protest this week and an attack by Kenyan police on … More UNHCR Calls out the Violent Kenyan Police Attack on LGBT Refugees

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

Gay Man in Stabbing Attack Stuck without Status

January 18, 2018

The pleas for help continue to pour in from countries around the world, where people are attacked for being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). These are usually people who have been shunned by family, friends and government, alike, with nowhere to turn. While you may feel that there is nothing you can do to … More Gay Man in Stabbing Attack Stuck without Status

Huck Reflection on Vulnerable LGBT Refugees in Kenya

November 13, 2017

“Kenya has become a ‘safe haven’ for those fleeing war and famine in neighbouring states. But in secret hideaways and temporary homes, LGBT refugees are being forced – once again – to hide their true selves instead of walking out into the world with pride …” Article by Jacob Kushner – Huck Magazine DONATE TO … More Huck Reflection on Vulnerable LGBT Refugees in Kenya

Trump Admin Failing LGBTI Refugees Bound for U.S.A.

October 24, 2017

Here is what the BBC Reports today (And I have chosen the BBC report to make my point for good reason): “US President Donald Trump will allow refugee admissions to the US to resume while announcing stricter rules for vetting applicants, US media report. It comes as the 120-day ban on refugees expires on Tuesday. … More Trump Admin Failing LGBTI Refugees Bound for U.S.A.

U.S. Refugee Program Can Continue under SCOTUS Ban Decision

June 27, 2017

 So what should happen to LGBT and other Refugees already accepted by the USA for resettlement after the US Supreme Court decided to allow a limited portion of the Muslim Travel Ban to stand: …. Read the position of CGRS in their response and the bottom line is we too at African Human Rights Coalition … More U.S. Refugee Program Can Continue under SCOTUS Ban Decision

When it Comes to LGBT Refugees here is Food for Thought

June 15, 2017

The work for African Human Rights Coalition has been extensive these past few months – here is a brief report: 1) After weeks of preparation, we  have established a new fund appeal starting today: We have been working for some time to establish a plan to support  200 LGBTI refugees in Kakuma Camp. They need … More When it Comes to LGBT Refugees here is Food for Thought

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

South African Minister Promises Change for Home Affairs to become LGBTI Friendly

June 7, 2016

South Africa has a relatively new Constitution, birthed soon after iconic former President Nelson Mandela was released from prison and Apartheid ended. Included in that dramatic change was equality for all, including LGBTI people. Yet, despite its all inclusive Constitution, South African gays, lesbians, and transgender community has experienced profound homophobia and transphobia, often resulting … More South African Minister Promises Change for Home Affairs to become LGBTI Friendly

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

New Ugandan Report on LGBT Persecution

April 22, 2016

Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) has launched a report titled, “And That’s How I Survived Being Killed”: Testimonies of Human Rights Abuses from Uganda’s Sexual and Gender Minorities. The report is intended to document the many forms of persecution that LGBT identifying individuals in Uganda face. In this report, based on first-hand testimonies, Sexual Minorities Uganda … More New Ugandan Report on LGBT Persecution

Exiled Gay Pastor Struggles to Survive After Being Outed by LGBT Christian Ministry

December 17, 2015

This is for those Other Sheep who recklessly expose the names and faces of LGBTI people in Africa. By Melanie Nathan, December 09, 2015. A few months ago, I was contacted by a man identifying himself as a gay pastor from an African country.  The man sought emergency help. He was on the border between … More Exiled Gay Pastor Struggles to Survive After Being Outed by LGBT Christian Ministry

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

Consortium Reports Violations against LGBT People in Uganda Implicating Police

July 23, 2015

By Melanie Nathan, July 23, 2015. A new revealing report on persecution and discrimination against Uganda’s LGBTI community has been released by the Consortium on Monitoring Violations Based on Sex Determination, Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation. The report refers to 89 verified documented violations in 2014 in Uganda. That was the year the Anti-Homosexuality Act … More Consortium Reports Violations against LGBT People in Uganda Implicating Police

UNHCR Puts Hold on Registrations of Large Groups of Ugandans

February 20, 2015

Of Large Groups of Ugandans who claim to have an LGBT Profile By Melanie Nathan, February 20, 2015. I reported at African HRC that unscrupulous people may be conducting scams and taking advantage of LGBTI people who seek to escape their countries of origin. Of the several problems that seem to be happening at this … More UNHCR Puts Hold on Registrations of Large Groups of Ugandans

Three Arrests while The Gambia calls to stamp out Homosexuality

December 23, 2014

Gambians struggle to get refugee Status in Senegal By Melanie Nathan, Dec 23, 2014 The Gambian authorities have arrested three men, accused of committing homosexual acts. The Gambian authorities have been conducting door-to-door witch hunts seeking out gays or responding to suspicious neighbors for several months. The men if found guilty can receive a maximum … More Three Arrests while The Gambia calls to stamp out Homosexuality