In Kenya, the Shirika Plan aims to integrate over 800,000 refugees, including LGBTQ individuals, into society by transforming the Kakuma and Dadaab camps into open cities. This initiative, launched by President William Ruto, is intended to provide refugees access to jobs, healthcare, and other essential services, creating a pathway toward self-reliance. However, LGBTQ refugees, like Ugandan refugee Constance, express concerns about their safety and inclusion in discussions regarding the plan. They believe their needs, especially around security and discrimination, have not been adequately regarded in the public forums intended for feedback.
Kenya’s refugee commissioner, John Burugu, claims all affected groups can voice their opinions, regardless of attendance at public meetings. Yet, LGBTQ advocates argue that their exclusion from these discussions highlights systemic biases. The plan has received mixed responses; while it is endorsed by the World Bank and the UNHCR for potentially improving refugee livelihoods, some local leaders oppose integration for not sufficiently consulting community voices.
As anti-LGBTQ sentiment grows, fears increase among LGBTQ refugees that the integration could exacerbate their vulnerability to discrimination and violence in the broader community. Activists have called for the Kenyan government to explicitly include LGBTQ rights within the framework of the Shirika Plan, stressing that effective safeguards must be put in place to protect them from potential homophobic attacks, especially given historical challenges in accessing asylum and protections.
Constance, who runs a safe house for these refugees, illustrates the emotional toll of prolonged uncertainty regarding asylum decisions. While the Shirika Plan is a bold initiative, its successful implementation hinges on addressing the specific needs and rights of all refugee groups, including LGBTQ individuals.
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