Update: Victims moved, hospital says it has no capacity to treat them!

Petition updateRelocate to safety LGBTQ+ Refugees from Block 13, Kakuma Camp, KenyaUpdate: Victims moved, hospital says it has no capacity to treat them!

Coalition of African Lesbians

Mar 18, 2021

Jordan and Trinidad who were severely burnt from the March 15 2021 torching at Block 13 Kakuma Camp were, after two days of languishing in pain, without adequate medical care, transported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) by ambulance to Lodwar County Hospital, about 125km from Kakuma. The burns were so extensive that they covered huge areas of their bodies, including their feet, legs and for one of the victims, the burns extended to his upper body. These burns need urgent, immediate care.

However, in doing this, UNHCR went against the recommendations of first responders and community members who knew that Nairobi hospitals were most equipped to offer the care the two burn victims need.

At Lodwar Hospital, they were left in the waiting room, without proper handing over to medical staff and without instruction to the caretakers on how to proceed. They have been waiting for several hours to see a doctor, while being told Lodwar Hospital does not have the capacity to treat them.

UNHCR must act now and provide emergency support to injured LGBTQ+ refugees at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.

Video Account of Anti-LGBTQ Violence at Kakuma

Here’s how you can take action:

Tweet at UNHCR High Commissioner @FilippoGrandi and UNHCR Kenya representative @Fathiaabdalla. Demand they transport the burn victims to Nairobi for treatment and evacuate Block 13 from Kakuma where they face constant homophobic and transphobic violence.

Sign the petition urging the UNHCR to ensure the safety of LGBTQ people at Kakuma by relocating them to Nairobi.

Make a donation to the burn victims’ fund by emailing Shanice@triangle.org.za

Other ways to participate:

Hashtags:

#FreeBlock13

#LGBTQKakuma

#UNHCRKenya

#ActNow

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