COSIR KENYA AT THE REFUGEE AFFAIRS STAKEHOLDERS' MEETING


On Friday, 10th 2017 COSIR Kenya was invited by HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya in a stake-holders’ meeting which was held at Silver-springs Hotel in Nairobi. The meeting was attended by a number of representatives from The UN Refugee Agency – UNHCR, Danish Refugee Council, Church World Service, Gay & Lesbian coalition of Kenya – GALCK, Refugee Affair Secretariat, Refugee Consortium of Kenya – RCK, Community Support Initiative for Refugees - COSIR, HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya and representatives from the different refugee communities including Sudanese, Rwandese, Congolese, Burundians and Ugandans.

The meeting rotated around issues regarding insecurities and protection concerns LGBT refugees living in urban centers face and how HIAS in conjunction with other refugee agencies plus the Community Based Organizations like COSIR Kenya can come together to address the matter on a community level.
COSIR Publicity Secretary giving his speech

Speakers from different organizations appreciated HIAS’s effort towards ensuring well-being of refugees and most particularly the LGBT group.
The meeting further put emphasis on what Community Based Organizations like COSIR have initiated; Engaging refugees in several livelihood activities aiming at eradicating dependency on the refugee agencies. COSIR Kenya Publicity secretary in his speech called on all refugee agencies to offer refugees a priority when it comes to opportunities and procurement in cases where refugees have the desired services or products by the agencies. He assured the agencies about the ability, skills-worth and willingness of refugees to engage in the programs though lack initial input. Mr.shamran also hinted on how COSIR has managed to integrate refugees with the Kenyan nationals through bringing them on board and creating awareness among the host communities. He continued to showcase COSIR'S plan to acquire a safe-housing facility which will accommodate the most vulnerable refugees who are at most risk of attacks by the host communities, the facility will house transgender persons, refugees living with HIV/AIDS, child mothers and also the facility shall be an emergency hub for survivors of Gender Based Violence and refugees going through Trauma plus those under suicide watch.

HIAS Official, Ms. Hellen addressing during the stakeholders meeting 

The publicity secretary never forgot to mention how their organization is still needy, lacks a lot of resources, limited funds to have all projects running. He pleaded to refugee agencies, well-wishers, friends of the LGBTI and the entire world to come in and offer a hand to their program which is aimed at helping LGBTI refugees to live better lives. He further called on all stakeholders to support their Go Fund Me Campaign  


COSIR Members attending the Stakeholders' meeting organised by HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya  

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