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By Michael Oyier, 13th December 2023
World Refugees Day
Background information
The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift for refugees' status in Kenya and the places that they live and work. The prima facie case may be that refugees are living their lives to the fullest because of the support from the UN and the non-refoulment principle as provided in the 1951 Convention on the status of refugees and its 1967 protocol. However, this is indeed in theory and not in practice because the refugees are facing a lot of hostilities and discrimination. They also face frustrations in their workplace and even when they try hawking fast food majority of host communities takes advantage by eating and not paying and later use vulgar language on them threatening them to go back to their home countries.
The 2023 World Refugee Day theme, ‘Hope away from home’ was significant to all refugees as it was a statement of bringing back hope to the refugee that they could feel safe and included even in Kenya.
It also seek to address the myths and misconceptions that comes with being a refugee. It called for worldwide support of refugees so that they can enjoy equal treatment as nationals.
Refugee Day takes place every year across the world on 20th June. Mathare Peace Initiative (MPI-Kenya) had an opportunity to celebrate this day with the Refugees living with us.
Refugees from Uganda, Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Tanzania were in attendance. The topics discussed included;
All the Refugees were given hope and comfort as they were reminded to always feel at home and always feel free to mingle with the host community (Kenyans). The day ended peacefully with entertainment and refreshment.
The event brought together refugees who were the key people on that day, the Government representatives and Civil Society Organizations to commemorate the World Refugee Day 2023.
The theme for this year was ''Hope away from home’’ Therefore, in line with the theme different activities took place on 20th June 2023 at City Stadium. The purpose of commemorating the day was to to raise awareness that make it easier for others to understand the extent to which refugees around the world are going through, build compassion that brings people together from all walks of life, and that’s always a positive thing to do not forgetting to build a sense of empathy.
The celebrations were culminated on June 20th, 2023 at City Stadium. The day was marked with various activities including: dancing, singing, which were performed by host communities and refugees in particular. There was also soccer tournament between refugees and host communities.
As a result of the event the following outcomes were achieved: Raising awareness that made it easier for others to understand the extent of what refugees around the world are going through. Built compassion that brought people together from all walks of life, and that was a positive thing. It also built a sense of empathy.
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