Ascentria Care Alliance’s Post

Urgent Hunger Crisis in Refugee Camps: Opportunity to Save Lives Hello world, I bring urgent news of a hunger crisis unfolding here at Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya. The World Food Program (WFP) has announced a drastic reduction in food rations, affecting the most vulnerable among us. This alarming development threatens the lives of countless refugees who rely on these rations for survival. However, amidst this crisis, there is an opportunity to make a difference and save lives. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kiberu Andrew, and I stand as a leader among East African refugees in the Kakuma refugee camp. I am deeply committed to ensuring the well-being and dignity of my fellow community members. Together, we have launched a fundraiser in these challenging times. Our mission is clear: to provide vital support to those residing in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. Many have fled from the dire consequences of the anti-homosexuality act of 2023 passed by the Ugandan Parliament, seeking refuge far from home. However, their journey is far from over, especially now with the impending food crisis. The fundraiser aims to address the urgent needs of our community members, including sustainable food and clean water supplies, safe shelter, comprehensive medical care, reliable internet access, educational resources, adequate clothing, and hygiene products. The recent announcement by the WFP regarding reduced food support amplifies the urgency of our mission. With food rations being decreased by 40-50% which started in May 2024, resulted into a dire situation here. Our community members are facing unimaginable challenges, and your support can make a significant difference in their lives. By contributing to our fundraiser, you can help ensure that those of us living in the camp have access to the basic necessities required for survival and dignity. Your generosity will provide more than just aid—it will offer hope and resilience to those who need it most. Join us in our mission to combat hunger and provide a brighter future for refugees in Kakuma. Together, we can make a tangible impact and save lives in the face of adversity. Your support matters. Click the link below to donate today and be a part of this life-saving initiative: https://lnkd.in/divpmVzj

In light of today's International Migrants Day, we revisit KMOP's recent event under the theme "Inclusion and protection of individuals with a migration background: The contribution of civil society organizations." Catch a glimpse by watching the short video below and delve into the key takeaways at the following link: https://lnkd.in/dkBA8dBU #KMOP #InternationalMigrantsDay

❓Would you be willing to make a $35 donation to the Diamond Mine Project and save the life of one of our African brothers or sisters enduring the horrors of the Kakuma refugee camp? Your generosity can make a significant impact on their well-being. Save a Life with $35: Join the Diamond Mine Project Holiday Campaign! 🌅 😋Today, our goal is to raise $25,000, and with the support of 715 generous people like you, we can achieve this milestone! By contributing $35, not only do you help us reach our target, but you also elevate your own spirit and feel the joy of giving a life-changing gift. 🌟 Your $35 Can Bring Holiday Cheer: 🙋No Contribution Is Too Small! 👉Every dollar matters, and your love, compassion, and support are invaluable. A $35 donation can bring holiday cheer by providing water for the week, formula and milk for babies and kids, food for 2 days, internet for the month, and cooking gas for two weeks. 🙏Your $35 contribution goes a long way in Kakuma and is greatly appreciated! 🙏🙏🙏 🎁 Why Support The Diamond Mine Project? 👉Our vision knows no borders. We aspire to build a community that serves as a refuge—a place where lives can be rebuilt with dignity and security. Your support lays the foundation for this transformative initiative, bringing joy and hope to those facing adversity. 🚨 Addressing the Urgent Need The recent Ugandan Anti-homosexuality Act 2023 has put over 2,000 refugees in Kakuma in grave danger. They endure daily threats, torture, and violence, compromising their safety. This project responds urgently, offering a secure environment, shelter, and opportunities for financial independence. 🌍 Kenya is currently the sole refuge for LGBTQ+ individuals fleeing persecution. While the Kenyan government is accepting, the camp falls short. Our aim is to establish an alternative meeting government criteria, providing a secure space for these individuals to flourish. 💔 What's life like in Kakuma Refugee Camp? 💎In a powerful video, a courageous gay man from Uganda shares his harrowing experience as an LGBTQ community member seeking refuge in Kakuma. Despite escaping persecution, he reveals open discrimination and physical attacks within the camp, shedding light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ refugees. 🌟 How You Can Bring Joy 🌌Explore The Diamond Mine Project on our revamped website to discover ways to contribute. We offer diverse donation options, from $35 to $1,500. Every contribution, regardless of size, plays a crucial role in constructing a safer, more compassionate world. 👯Let's make a difference together! Visit www.diamondmineacademy.org to be part of this noble cause and give the gift of a transformed life. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey and spreading the warmth of the holiday season.👬 With gratitude, Martin (Kintu) Cowart Co-Founder The Diamond Mine Project #unconditionallove #humanitarianaid #zoneofgenius #refugeesupport #africanexcellence

Did you know that over half of all #refugees are 24 years old or under? Around the world, there is a rise in recognition of the power and importance of refugee-led organisations (#RLO). Rarely featured in discussions about these however, is the prominent role of refugee youth-led organisations (#RYLO). Last year, I had the pleasure of teaming up and working with Evan Easton-Calabria at UNICEF Innocenti and Rahildaris Marchena at Global Refugee Youth Network (GRYN) to better understand this under-explored context. We interviewed #YouthLeaders of #RYLOs across the world to better understand the shared and contextual barriers and enablers of their work. This blog shares key insights and aims to be a #CallToAction to support RYLO leaders’ demands, and to invest more resources to understand their unique and critical role. As the work of supporting RYLOs continues to expand, the following messages, shared by RYLO leaders and members, are important to heed: - RYLOs exist because young refugees’ needs are not being met. Refugee youth are taking initiative and filling #advocacy, #programmatic, and #funding gaps to improve their lives and the lives of young people in their communities. - There is dissonance between the challenges that young refugees face and the type of activities that funders prioritize. #YouthCentered approaches to programme and intervention #design need to be prioritized. - More #research is needed to understand the particular challenges and successes of RYLOs, including intersectional challenges such #age and #gender. In particular, there’s a need to better understand the contextual factor that enable or hinder girls from establishing and leading RYLOs. - Young refugees and RYLOs should have the right to participation as #EqualPartners in decision-making processes concerning their situation. This requires a shift in humanitarian and development agencies’ #perceptions and #narratives from refugee youth as merely recipients to agents of change. Bo Viktor Nylund Dr. Cecile Aptel Ramya Subrahmanian Josiah Kaplan, PhD. Priya Marwah Kate Mahoney Marcy Levy Evan Easton-Calabria Rahildaris Marchena Foni Vuni Faridah Luanda Barth Mwanza Barbara Albajara Saenz

On this International Women’s Day, Ukraine faces a third year of war, which has left close to 15 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in the region, more than fifty percent of whom are women and girls. Women and feminist-led civil society organizations on the frontlines providing aid. HIAS, in collaboration with the Women's Refugee Commission, is privileged to host a diverse delegation of women-led organizations first at the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The delegation, comprised of organizations supporting survivors of violence, Roma, LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities, will offer critical insights on how to ensure equal and meaningful participation and leadership in humanitarian decision-making. After CSW, the delegation will head to Washington DC, to share the stark realities facing Ukrainians, the need for continued support from the U.S. and wider international community and speak to the specific and often disproportionate impact the war is having on women and girls in all their diversity. For more information, please see HIAS’ press release, below. Thank you to our inspiring partners, including Jarmiła Rybicka (she/her), Co-Founder, Conflict Kitchen, Poland; Natalia Postolachi, Executive Director, NGO CASMED, Moldova; Anna Cristina Burtea, Inima de Copil (A Child’s Heart), Romania; Iraida Gerashchenko, Uspishna Zhinka (Successful Woman), Ukraine; Iryna Kuratchenko, Specialist Psychologist, Vzayemodiya, Ukraine; Hanna Rozhkova, Invisible, Ukraine; and Olena Shevchenko, Founder, Insight, Ukraine. https://lnkd.in/ez5A-tJ9

🎉 Celebrating Two Years of Impact at Diamond Mine Academy! 🎉 Dear Friends and Compassionate Hearts! As we mark our second anniversary this past month, we reflect on the incredible journey we've shared. Your unwavering support has fueled our mission to empower and uplift, and for that, we extend heartfelt gratitude. Introducing The Diamond Mine Project Land-Purchase Campaign: Building Hope, Creating A Safe Community In the spirit of giving, we're thrilled to introduce The Diamond Mine Project. Our goal is to raise $25,000 in seed funding to establish a sustainable haven for marginalized refugees and asylum seekers facing harsh realities in the Kakuma refugee camp. Why Support The Diamond Mine Project? Our vision knows no borders. We aspire to build a community that serves as a refuge—a place where lives can be rebuilt with dignity and security. Your support lays the foundation for this transformative initiative, providing hope to those facing adversity. Addressing the Urgent Need The recent Ugandan Anti-homosexuality Act 2023 has endangered the lives of over 2,000 refugees in Kakuma. They endure daily threats, torture, and violence, compromising their safety. This project responds urgently, offering a secure environment, shelter, and opportunities for financial independence. Kenya is currently the sole refuge for LGBTQ+ individuals fleeing persecution. While the Kenyan government is accepting, the camp falls short. Our aim is to establish an alternative meeting government criteria, providing a secure space for these individuals to flourish. What's life like in Kakuma Refugee Camp? In a powerful video, a courageous gay man from Uganda shares his harrowing experience as an LGBTQ community member seeking refuge in Kakuma. Despite escaping persecution, he reveals open discrimination and physical attacks within the camp, shedding light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ refugees. Expressing Gratitude and Moving Forward Before we delve into details, we express deep appreciation for your unwavering support. We acknowledge our shared journey, including moments of financial requests, and present an opportunity aligned with our values. How You Can Bring Hope Explore The Diamond Mine Project on our revamped website to discover ways to contribute. We offer diverse donation options, from $35 to $1,500. Every contribution, regardless of size, plays a crucial role in constructing a safer, more compassionate world. Your $35 Can Transform Lives This Holiday Season No contribution is too small; your love, compassion, and support matter most. A $35 donation can create a life-altering impact, providing someone with the chance to find safety, hope, and a fresh start. Join Us in Making a Difference Visit www.diamondmineacademy.org to be part of this noble cause. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. With Gratitude, Kintu #unconditionallove #humanitarian #happyholidays #zoneofgenius #refugeesupport 

My own #grit and #resilence is a function of being a granddaughter and daughter of refugees. I realize that we did not use that word about ourselves, given the stigma associated with it, but when you leave the home your family lived in for centuries under threat of violence, you are a refugee. “People who are forced to flee their homes often face challenges in nurturing such dreams. Their paths to success are constantly impeded by obstacles both physical and societal. Women and girls especially find themselves more often underestimated and constrained by norms, and as a result are less able to dream.” Those of refugee experience understand well that those who talk of “#belonging” or “#vulnerability” are naive (even arguably, ignorant) to harsh realities of how humans treat fellow humans. If it were safe to feel belonging and to be vulnerable there would be no refugees at all. Despite seeing the most ugly side of human nature, I find that those in refugee communities can be the most kind, generous, humble, hard-working, appreciative. There is no entitlement but a knowledge of needing to build a new life and establish a new home. If women who are “legitimate” in a culture or country have it hard, then you can only imagine how much harder it is for women who are told “you don’t belong here” based on race, ethnicity, religion, tribe, etc.

The Working Group on #IdentityRights is pleased to make this submission for input to the #CRC Committee’s General Comment 27 on #AccesstoJustice and Effective Remedies (AJER). This submission is linked to the expert consultative meeting held on 18 May 20241 and should be read with the summary of that meeting (https://lnkd.in/dgtk8mNr) as well as individual submissions made by endorsing organisations. The submission is structured by highlighting #promisingpractices in response to observed challenges in AJER for rights violations. Our recommendations call for scaling up of these practices in a sustainable manner. ATD Fourth World, Consortium For Street Children, Family for Every Child, Family Frontiers, European Network on Statelessness, The Global Campaign for Equal Nationality Rights, Global Survivors Fund, International Federation of Social Workers, Institute on Statelessness and Inclusion, RELAF - Red Latinoamericana de Acogimiento Familiar, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, UNICEF, Voice of children United Nations Human Rights, Ann Skelton, Philip D. Jaffé, Benoît Van Keirsbilck, AYOUBI-IDRISSI Hynd Hynd, Suzanne Aho, Velina Todorova, Mikiko Otani, Faith Marshall-Harris, Rinchen Chophel, Rosaria Correa Pulice

The Heartwarming Story of a Syrian Refugee Father In a world filled with hardship, some stories shine brightly as beacons of hope and humanity. One such story is that of a Syrian refugee father, who was photographed selling pens on the streets to support his young daughter. This touching image went viral, capturing the hearts of people worldwide and leading to a crowdfunding campaign that raised over $190,000 for him. With this support, he transformed his life, now owning three businesses that employ 16 other Syrian refugees. This incredible turnaround is a testament to the power of community support and the resilience of the human spirit. Read more about this story at https://lnkd.in/eDGwHUsk The Vital Role of Fathers in Children's Lives Fathers play a crucial role in the development and well-being of their children. Studies have shown that children with involved fathers experience numerous benefits, including: 1. Reduced Risk of Juvenile Delinquency: Children with active fathers are 43% less likely to repeat a grade and have a lower likelihood of engaging in criminal activities. 2. Lower Rates of Teen Pregnancy: Girls with engaged fathers are 7 times less likely to become pregnant as teenagers. Fathers provide a protective factor, influencing their daughters' decisions and fostering higher self-esteem and better judgment. 3. Improved Academic Performance: Children with supportive fathers are 2 times more likely to enter college and get better grades. 4. Better Emotional and Social Development:A father's involvement is linked to positive social behaviors and fewer behavioral problems. 5. Reduced Risk of Substance Abuse: Adolescents with present and involved fathers are less likely to abuse drugs or alcohol. The guidance and supervision of a father help children navigate peer pressure and make healthier choices. 6. Greater Economic Stability: Fathers who are actively involved in their children's lives often contribute to a more stable and secure household, providing better financial support and reducing the risk of poverty. 7. Higher Academic Achievement: Children with involved fathers are more likely to be A+ students. Fathers who engage in their children's education foster a love for learning, resulting in higher academic achievements and better school performance. The story of the Syrian refugee father selling pens to support his daughter is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices fathers make for their families and the profound impact fathers have on their children's lives and our communities. To all the FATHERS who remain committed to being a constant presence in their children's lives, we thank you. Your dedication, love, and support creates a foundation of strength and stability for the next generation, elevates your families, and gives glory to our Heavenly Father. photo 📸 credit: AmericasBestPics.com

HIAS Ukraine is committed to equality for all social groups. Our organization advocates for the rights of vulnerable communities in Ukraine. Recently, we joined the United Nations thematic dialogue with colleagues from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, UN Women UK, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and Ukrainian LGBTIQ+ communities to discuss current challenges and barriers for LGBTIQ+ people with local LGBTIQ+ organizations.   The results and recommendations of these discussions will be presented at the UNCT meeting in Ukraine. Recommendations include the following:  - Provide an inclusive and safe platform for local and national LGBTIQ+ organizations to highlight emerging and timely human rights, humanitarian, and recovery priorities. - Ensure the strengthening of LGBTIQ+ communities' voices and participation in the development and implementation of national policies and programs, as well as humanitarian response strategies. - Enable direct interaction of LGBTIQ+ people with the development and humanitarian communities and promote partnerships. - Promote solidarity between movements and facilitate dialogue on strategies to achieve equality, freedom, and justice for all.  Research from four years ago showed that only 28% of Ukrainians expressed a positive attitude towards representatives of these communities. Today, this figure has increased to 73%. However, the problem is still exacerbated by the full-scale invasion. War can lead to exclusion from traditional support networks in displaced and host communities. Such exclusion can be particularly severe for transgender people. That is why, during such thematic dialogues, civil society tries to find ways to coordinate efforts to improve the situation in society as a whole and help their communities in particular.       #StandWithSurvivors #HIASUkraine #HIAS #StandWithUkraine #hiasukraine #Україна #СпільніЗусилля #CommunitySupport #hias