Youth Talent and Sports Sub-sector begins sensitization Campaigns for County Officers on Refugee matters

NAIROBI: 17th September, 2024

Youth, Talent and Sports sub sector has begun a sensitization campaign for officers working in the sub county offices across the city in an effort towards educating them on refugee issues.

Nairobi County has seen increased efforts to address the challenges faced by refugees, particularly through partnerships between humanitarian organizations and government bodies.

The ongoing sensitization campaigns are led by HIAS a global non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting refugees, in collaboration with the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) and UNHCR. These campaigns aim to raise awareness on refugee matters, promote refugee rights, and foster social cohesion between refugee communities and local residents.

Susan Kimani Assistant Director Youth Affairs said The sensitization efforts are focusing on several key areas:- Education on Refugee Rights and Responsibilities, Promoting Social Integration and Peaceful Coexistence, Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health, Enhancing Access to Basic Services.

Mr. Vincent Onyango a representative from HIAS said "One of the primary goals of the campaigns is to educate refugees and host communities about their legal rights and responsibilities. Nairobi City County, HIAS, and in coordination with the DRS, has organized workshops and community forums to disseminate information on the Refugees Act, policies governing asylum seekers, and the process of obtaining legal status. These sessions will ensure that County Officers are equipped with information to assist them when dealing with refugees. The Refugees will also understand their rights in terms of access to education, healthcare, and protection against discrimination.
Ms. Saori Keneto from the Department of Refugee Services said Nairobi, being a hub for many refugees from neighboring countries such as Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, faces challenges related to social integration. The sensitization programs target both refugees and host communities to reduce stigmatization and discrimination. Through dialogue forums and cultural exchange events, we encourage mutual understanding, fostering peaceful coexistence.

Ms. Susan Kimani reiterated that Refugees, especially women and children, often face heightened risks of gender-based violence (GBV) and mental health challenges due to their experiences of displacement and trauma. DRS and Organizations like HIAS UNHCR play a critical role in addressing these issues and by training community leaders and hosting awareness campaigns on such challenges. These partnership initiatives help to provide safe spaces for victims, alongside access to counseling and legal support.

She said "Many refugees in Nairobi face barriers when accessing services such as healthcare, education, and employment due to lack of awareness or documentation. "Nairobi City County is in the process of developing a Nairobi County Refugee Integration Community Building Strategy (NCRIS) that will address most of these challenges. The sensitization programs will help bridge this gap by informing refugees of the services available to them and working with service providers to ensure that refugees are not excluded from essential services."

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