In Limuru, Kenya, Ugandan refugee Constance expresses concerns about the Shirika Plan, recently initiated by President William Ruto. This ambitious project aims to integrate over 800,000 refugees into Kenyan society by transforming major camps into open cities, allowing refugees to access jobs, healthcare, and housing. Although Constance acknowledges the potential benefits of the plan, he raises alarm over the exclusion of LGBTQ voices from the discussions. He argues that their unique security and health concerns remain unaddressed.
The Shirika Plan, praised by the UNHCR, aims to foster self-reliance for refugees who have lived in limbo, lacking basic rights and access to the job market. However, critics, including Constance, worry that integration could result in increased hostility toward LGBTQ refugees amid rising anti-LGBTQ sentiments in Kenya. Community leaders have also voiced concerns about insufficient consultation and advocate for repatriation instead.
Activists fear that integrating vulnerable LGBTQ refugees into Kenyan communities may heighten incidents of discrimination and violence. Cases of homophobic abuse are already prevalent in existing camps, leading many to question their safety in mixed communities. Despite the government’s commitment to human rights as part of the Shirika Plan, LGBTQ refugees continue to face prolonged delays in asylum processing, leaving them uncertain about their futures.
The plan’s funding structure and timeline suggest a significant investment—in total, around $943 million by 2036—yet the tangible benefits for LGBTQ refugees remain uncertain, raising questions about their inclusion and protection. As the situation evolves, there is hope from activists that political pressure can ensure that the rights of all refugees, including LGBTQ individuals, are prioritized in implementation.
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