**MEDIA ADVISORY**
LGBTQ+ REFUGEES IN KENYA UNDER CONTINUOUS ATTACK AS UNHCR BIDES TIME
Virtual Press Conference: Wednesday, March 24th, 11:00 AM ET | 5pm SAST | 6pm EAT
http://bit.ly/FreeBlock13Presser
Contacts: Victor Mukasa victorjmukasa@gmail.com and Phumi Mtetwa phumi@justassociates.org
On the morning of March 15th, petrol bombs were thrown into a group of LGBTQ+ refugees, allies and their children who live in Block 13 in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. This attack not only set people on fire but also destroyed beddings and personal belongings as many of the refugees sleep in the open air. Two organizers, Ayesigye Jordan and Atuhwera Chriton, barely survived this vicious attack. They both have 2nd-degree burns over major areas of their bodies and have since been airlifted to Kenyatta Hospital in Nairobi for medical treatment. Jordan, Chriton, and others in Block 13 continue to experience extreme trauma as they are in fear for their physical safety and mental wellness.
Since 2014, Kakuma has been uninhabitable for LGBTQ+ refugees and allies who face violence from other refugees and Kenyan police. The UNHCR, charged with protecting refugees, has failed in this regard. Most of the 135 refugees at Block 13 fled Uganda for Kakuma when the anti-gay bill was introduced, a bill which was eventually passed in part due to the urging of American pastor Scott Lively. They cannot migrate to the US given the low refugee ceiling and the difficulties in obtaining asylum.
The 135 residents of Block 13 want the world to know their plight and are asking to be evacuated to safety. Jordan and Chriton are asking that UNHCR evacuate them to a healthcare facility that specializes in burn injuries and wounds.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE refugees and asylum seekers from Block 13, regional and international human rights defenders, and organizers.
**Photos and interviews are available on request.**
