‘It’s Not a Right’: Kenya Blocks Canadians from Resettling LGBTQ+ Refugees
In a significant and concerning development, the Kenyan government has effectively blocked Western countries, including Canada, from resettling LGBTQ+ refugees. This move has left hundreds languishing in unsafe conditions within refugee camps and safe houses in Kenya. The situation is so dire that many refugees have begun to flee to South Sudan, despite the country’s precarious conditions.
A Logistical and Humanitarian Choke Point
Since 2021, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has noted a troubling trend: Kenya increasingly delays processing asylum claims based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This marks a reversal from the country’s previous stance of recognizing these grounds. The logjam has had a severe impact, even on those refugees who have completed Canadian immigration checks, further illustrating the bureaucratic quagmire they face.
Devon Matthews, head of programs at Rainbow Railroad, a Canadian organization focusing on resettlement, described Kenya as a “choke point” for LGBTQ+ refugees. “Those most at risk are fleeing into Kenya only to find themselves stuck in an intractable system,” said Matthews.
Mounting Challenges for Refugees
Kenya’s registration delays have exacerbated since late 2023, essentially shutting LGBTQ+ asylum seekers out of critical services including work, healthcare, and banking. Ibrahim Kazibwe, founder of the Community Empowerment and Self-Support Organization in Nairobi, shared that refugees claiming asylum on the basis of being a sexual or gender minority are told they could wait up to five years for an interview.
Kazibwe knows the hardships first-hand, having fled Uganda a decade ago. He now runs a safe house near Nairobi and shares that discriminatory practices and violence are commonplace. In Kakuma, one of the world’s largest refugee camps, reports of assault targeted at LGBTQ+ residents emerge almost monthly, prompting some desperate individuals to seek refuge in South Sudan.
International Efforts and Local Pushback
While the UNHCR discreetly engages with the Kenyan government in hopes of a resolution, opposition is fierce. Some Kenyan MPs have openly advocated for the deportation of LGBTQ+ refugees, framing LGBTQ+ identities as a Western imposition. At an anti-gay rally in Mombasa last year, MP Mohammed Ali stated, “If you want homosexuals, get them visas and take them to your countries.”
John Burugu, Kenya’s refugee commissioner, further entrenches official opposition, disputing longstanding UN policies on refugee status. “It’s not a right as far as the Government of Kenya is concerned,” he declared at a forum in August.
Canadian Advocacy and Partnerships
Amid this backdrop of adversity, Canadian officials remain engaged yet admit to having limited influence over Kenyan policies. Nevertheless, Ottawa prioritizes LGBTQ+ refugees due to their extreme vulnerability. A 2023 partnership with Rainbow Railroad aims to expedite the resettlement process for those facing persecution in East Africa.
Donors and international allies urge Canada to commit more resources towards human rights advocacy abroad. Doug Kerr, executive director of the Dignity Network, signaled the urgent need for Canada to elevate its involvement by addressing root causes before refugee flows increase.
Local Impact and Future Implications
This situation’s local impact transcends borders, sparking discussions on Canada’s role in international human rights advocacy. Organizations like Rainbow Railroad have shifted some of their focus toward immediate support—funding safe houses and facilitating transportation—under immense demand from those endangered by draconian anti-LGBTQ+ legislations, such as Uganda’s “Kill the Gays” bill.
The broader community must grapple with these realities, seeing the potential for more significant refugee flows and humanitarian crises amid restrictive policies. This scenario poses questions about Western responsibility and accountability in pressing for global justice.
Community Resources
Residents interested in supporting refugee rights or seeking information on local advocacy efforts can connect with organizations like Rainbow Railroad. Public forums and informational campaigns aim to bolster awareness, rally local action, and engage citizens in an ongoing dialogue about the international community’s role in safeguarding human rights.
In summary, the ongoing barriers faced by LGBTQ+ refugees in Kenya underscore a complex interplay of global politics and humanitarian needs. It highlights a pressing requirement for concerted action and collaboration, with international communities like Canada tasked to champion inclusivity and fundamental rights effectively. Through tenacity and innovation, the path forward can ensure a more humane and just world for those seeking safety and freedom.
