On the situation for LGBTQ-refugees in Kakuma, Kenya – an update

Nakafeero Swabulah, local LGBTQI-leader in Kakuma

Two weeks ago we presented the January UNHCR LGBTQI-report on the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. Today we present the views of one of the LGBTQI-leaders and activists in the camp: Nakafeero.

By Per M. Koch

It is great that the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR publishes reports on the lives of LGBTQI refugees in Kakuma. This makes the challenges these refugees face more visible, both inside the UNHCR and in their collaboration with others. This also makes it clear that this is an issue relevant to the human rights principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The UN on LGBTQI rights

“So long as people face criminalization, bias and violence based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics, we must redouble our efforts to end this violations,” Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General, said on 25 September 2018.

UNHCR publishes a new briefing note on LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers in Kenya

Rainbow over Kakuma.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which is responsible for the UN presence in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, has published a new briefing note on LGBTIQ+ refugees and asylum-seekers in Kenya. 

The 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.

UNHCR note that there are currently some 800 refugees in Kenya. (Our international network covers several hundred of them). The organization notes that the Kenyan government is currently developing refugee regulations to guide the implementation of the Refugees Act of 2021. UNHCR are trying to minimize the impact of provisions that may reduce protection space for LGBTIQ+ refugees. 

Homophobia and transphobia in Kenya

Keep in mind that although Kenya is not like Uganda when it comes to LGBTIQ persecution, their laws are both homophobic and transphobic. Same-sex relations remain criminalized under the Kenyan Penal Code. 

LGBTQ refugees in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya need your help!

Nakafeero Swabulah, also known as Claire,  is a lesbian refugee from Uganda, living in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, where she is organizing and coordinating efforts to help LGBTQA+ refugees and their kids.

We ask for your support so that she and her friends can provide them with medication, shelter, food, sanitary pads, milk for babies, detergents, clothes, clean water and more.

LGBTQ persecution in Uganda

The government of Uganda has become increasingly homophobic and transphobic, which has caused Nakafeero and many other and lesbian, gay and trans Ugandans to leave the country. Nakafeero's mother and sister were killed in their home by locals, as the villagers were searching for Nakafeero.

But Nakafeero and her crew of lesbian activists are in no way giving up. They are doing their best to give more than 100 LGBTQA refugees and their kids a better life in the camp. She has provided them with nutritious food, clothes, hygiene products, and – for the kids – toys.

 

Nakafeeor says:

"I do call upon anyone with support or help to please donate through our FundRazr account so that we can get much needed food, medicines and more." She draws special attention to the need for sanitary pads for the women.

"Thank you so much to anyone who will support us!" Nakafeero adds. "Your support is much appreciated!"

The campaign has already payed for a protective fence

This funding campaign has already made a huge difference for Nakafeero and her people. We have used donations to pay for a metal fence that is now protecting their sleeping area. Although violent attacks from homophobic gangs are still a problem, the refugees can at least sleep safely at night.

A collaboration between Ugandan refugees and European and American activists

The crowdfunding campaign is organized by Nakafeero together with Per and Susanne Koch. The Kochs are living in Oslo, Norway. The three of them are part of an international network of Ugandan refugees and European and American activists. All proceeds from this campaign go to Nakafeero, her crew and the LGBTQA refugees in the Kakuma Refugee Camp.

Supporters will get updates on the work of Nakafeero and her crew.

 

You can help Nakafeero and her friends by donating to our Fundrzr campaign. Click here to go to the campaign site!

 More about the campaign in these posts on the Fundrazr site:

• Photos from the camp.
• Nakafeero has been interviewed by Transgender World. You can ready the story here!
• On how we manage the donations.
• LGBTQI+ Worldwide, collecting links to the larger network of Nakafeero and her allies in the camp.

QR-code for Fundrzr campaign site:

This page was set up by Per Koch, who may be contacted at this address: per.koch@aviana.com.