Arson Attack Leaves Lesbians in Kakuma Refugee Camp with Nothing
“We have been tortured and at the same time they are arresting us, but why?? Spreading petrol at our shelters, the bottles of petrol surrounded the place where we stay, as a mother it’s terrible our kids as we shouted they started crying ,we don’t deserve this life. Why all these happening to us aren’t we have blood like others? Please UNHCR rescue us from this hell.”
Once again, the Lesbians at Block 13 along with the other refugees are in danger, as they suffer the 4th arson attack this year.
On August 16th, the Block was awakened by what sounded like gunshots. When they arose, they were met with the smell of petrol fumes, all over their compound and they noticed huge amounts of it all around the shelter where the children sleep.
Police were called. They refused to come out to investigate before daylight. Thankfully the children were moved. The Police told them to leave the petrol containers as they were evidence. It turns out the petrol wasn't just around the children’s shelter. An hour later, the entire block was alight. From the time this was all reported, it took 2.5 hours for the police to show up. The station is 5 minutes away.
Fire at Kakuma Refugee Camp
Every single bit of shelter they had left there burned to the ground, as did everything inside them and near to them. They, quite literally, have NOTHING left. Twenty-five children and their Mothers are now without any shelter. Absolutely nothing to protect them from the burning African sun, or the torrential downpours when they come. They have no food, clothing, shelter, toiletries, or any other essentials to survive even at night. All of their documentation and ID's as well as any personal belongings are gone. They have been left with only the clothing on their backs.
Children at Kakuma Refugee Camp
Aftermath of the fire at Kakuma Refugee Camp
The intent of these violent crimes is clearly to kill and injure the LGB&T community in Kakuma. In the last year, they have already suffered three deaths. When the refugees went to the main police station for help, they were sent back and threatened at gunpoint. Unbelievably, The Police then came to the camp yesterday and said they wanted to take four of the men to meet with UNHCR, but instead of a meeting they arrested them. The state-sanctioned homophobia once again adding to their struggle.
The UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency UN Human Rights Council is fully aware of these multiple arson attacks. The police are fully aware. Refugee Affairs Secretariat (RAS) are fully aware. Yet, they do nothing to prevent the attacks. They do nothing to compensate, and nothing to protect this community and their refusal to act only encourages the homophobic attacks to continue. They have provided mats and blankets for the refugees but that it all. It is time to hold them to account and force them to provide the help and support that they are mandated to.
We won’t remain silent while our Sisters suffer.
We demand protection for Block 13.
We demand their evacuation to safety.
We demand the unconditional release of the detained refugees and urge the police in Kakuma to carry out investigations to find the criminals responsible.
*** CALL TO ACTION ***
Support this Fundraiser to replace belongings lost in the fire.
Help us by demanding that the UNHCR act & assist immediately! Please see our Campaign Page and find out what you can do to help.
And share our campaign with your friends and contacts so that we can gather even more support for the people in Kakuma Camp.