#refugee support

[canmom]

hey everyone. this is a donation post, gonna keep it short.

since March I've been in contact with a group of gay/trans refugees in a refugee camp in South Sudan by way of Peter Kats, a young gay guy who is on here at @queercommunitysblog. following lethal homophobic violence, they've had a long and miserable journey through different countries and refugee camps such as Kakuma in Kenya.

life in a refugee camp pretty much fucking sucks completely. in the time I've known him, Peter's been robbed, harassed by cops, and caught some pretty dreadful illnesses. thankfully, we've been able to keep him fed, and set the group up with things like mattresses with malaria nets in the summer, and a new phone when his got stolen.

the main hope for long-term relief is that the UNHCR will get him and his friends placed in countries like Canada and the USA. as far as I understand there has been some progress on this front, and promises made, but it seems to be slow going.

in the meantime, they need to eat!

there's a fundraiser that's being run by tumblr user @mcrunchybones on GFM here where you can read more details. Peter asked me recently if I would circulate this fundraiser again on here again; Zi will send the money forward to him using World Remit.

I know money's tight for everyone, but I would be very grateful if you are able to send a bit his way and pass this around!

[nerves-nebula]

Emergency funds needed for South Sudanese refugees

Hi all, long story short, Abdul and his friends need more money quickly as food is becoming scarce in his camp due to shop closure and an increase in refugees.

I've been supporting him as much as I can but I've only just started working again and have bills of my own which eat up most of my check. Any amount donated is immensely appreciated!

I want to end this by saying I'm incredibly grateful for all the help you've shown Abdul. Just a few days ago I had the honor of sending him a couple hundred dollars that'd been raised over the past few weeks. To see photos and videos of Abdul you can check out #abdulfund on my blog

Below I've copied a message of what Abdul has told me over whatsapp:

Hello my friend hopefully you are doing well today I would like to inform you about a very very important issue happening here at the camp, yesterday but one there happened a gun fire outbreak in juba capital between the army and the natives of different tribes and it left to curfews in juba plus all other places in the country,

Yesterday all shops in camp where closed but today some shops have opened but the army is patrolling the whole camp now we have been warned to stock food as the shop keepers cannot move to the capital to get us usages,

I would ask for some urgent support for food so that as we still not aware of when the curfew will end so please I am humbly asking you to help me with some funds so that I can stock food such that I don't starve in this miserable situation happening at the camp.

I hope you are able to see on internet what is currently happening in juba and the neighborhood centers in south Sudan.

The struggle left almost 50 people dead and also in camp the struggle left some police officers killed as well as a few refugees from Ethiopia but at least the security is a bit tight at the camp because we are some miles away from the capital as the camp is in the desert surrounded by military baracks it's what keeps us a bit safer from these attacks and UN has its army base close to the camp.

I will keep you updated on our situation

Thanks yours Abdul luyombya.

[weepingnightmarepuppy]

Many lgbtiq refugees are crying out for help because they are receiving little support from UNHCR.

Many are sleeping hungry and other end up on gabbage disposal waste to find what to eat .Transgenders and lesbians are selling out their bodies not because they want or enjoying.they are trying to find how to earn a living and buying milk for their babies.

I'm here to request for assistance from individuals and organisations however little your donation may be it can make a difference in our lives

[viktheviking1]

Hi everyone 👋my name's hamdi lm 51 years old lm from palestine specifically Gaza🇵🇸🍉💚❤️🖤🤍

🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸

I am asking you to help me In building a new life for my children after it was destroyed by the war we were living in

Thank God we were able to get out of Gaza after the desperate life we were living in.

We used to wake up every day hoping that the war is over, but unfortunately our frustration increases with each passing day. I didn't know if I will be able to get my children and wife out of this tragic situation. Due to the lack of water and the high prices of food, and there is no source of income for me in the war, Iwas very sad and I do not know what to do. Our lives have turned upside .

But I borrowed money so that I , my children and my wife could get out of the situation we were living in.and now we in Egypt

🇵🇸🤍🖤❤️💚🇵🇸🤍🖤❤️💚🇵🇸🍉🍉

Now we are in Egypt with a new suffering in rebuilding our lives after we lost everything we owned in Gaza. I have returned from square one. I own nothing, no home, no source of income, and no job l have debts and I don't know what to do .l ask you to help me to complete my children's education by helping me donate even a small amount it will make a big difference.

https://gofund.me/504921a8

please help us reach our goal as soon as possible 🙏

I try to protect my children from anything that might harm them.

Please put your hands in mine and support my children🙏🙏

thanks. 🤍🖤💚❤🇵🇸

[globaltalentpathway]

How Refugees Are Building Successful Careers Across the Globe

Refugees face many challenges when they are forced to leave their homes. They flee wars, natural disasters, and dangerous situations to find safety in other countries. But once they arrive in a new country, they have to start over. One of the hardest things they need to do is find a job to support themselves and their families. Without work, it can be difficult to build a new life.

Despite these challenges, many refugees are successfully building careers around the world. Thanks to helpful programs, support from local communities, and their own determination, refugees are finding jobs and making important contributions to their new countries.

The First Step: Overcoming Challenges

When refugees first arrive in a new country, they often face several problems when looking for work. Language is one of the biggest challenges. Not being able to speak the local language makes it hard to communicate, understand job requirements, or even apply for a job. Many refugees also come from countries with different education systems and work cultures, which can make it hard for them to get their qualifications recognized in their new country.

Despite these challenges, refugees are determined to succeed. They take language courses, get help with translating their qualifications, and learn about the work culture in their new country. Many refugees also take part-time jobs or volunteer to gain experience and meet people who can help them find better opportunities in the future.

How Refugees Find Jobs

Around the world, many countries have created programs to help find jobs for refugees and build careers. These programs provide refugees with the support they need to succeed in the job market.

Job Placement ProgramsMany organizations and governments offer job placement programs that connect refugees with employers looking for workers. These programs help refugees find jobs in fields where there are labor shortages or in areas where they already have experience. For example, refugees who have worked in healthcare, teaching, or engineering may be able to find work in those areas. These programs help refugees start new lives by finding them jobs and supporting the local economy at the same time.

Skills Training and EducationRefugees are building careers by taking advantage of skills training programs. Many refugees already have useful skills, but they may need extra training to meet local standards or learn new skills. Programs that offer language courses, computer skills, or other training help refugees improve their qualifications and become more competitive in the job market.

Internships and VolunteeringInternships and volunteering are other ways refugees can gain experience and build a network. Volunteering helps refugees learn the local language, understand the work culture, and meet new people who can help them find paid work later. For many refugees, volunteering is the first step toward finding a full-time job.

Government Support and PolicyIn some countries, governments have policies that make it easier for refugees to find jobs. These policies may include fast-tracking work permits or offering job training programs. Governments may also provide career counseling to help refugees understand how their skills match the needs of the job market. These services increase the chances of refugees finding jobs that suit their abilities.

Why Refugee Employment is Important

When refugees are able to find jobs, it benefits not just them but also the local communities and countries they live in. Here are some of the key benefits:

Boosting the Economy Refugees help the economy by paying taxes, spending money, and filling job openings. Many countries face shortages of workers, and refugees can help fill these gaps, especially in industries like healthcare, agriculture, and construction. By working, refugees contribute to the economy and help create a better future for everyone.

Cultural Diversity Refugees bring new ideas and experiences to the workplace. This diversity can lead to creative solutions, better teamwork, and a more inclusive work environment. Refugees can also share their skills and experiences with others, which can benefit the company and the local community.

Building Stronger Communities When refugees have jobs, they can support their families and become more involved in their communities. Employment helps refugees build social connections, improve their mental health, and feel like they belong in their new country. When refugees integrate successfully, it makes the community stronger and more resilient.

Conclusion

Refugees around the world are building successful careers and making meaningful contributions to the countries that welcome them. With the right support—like job placement programs, language courses, and skills training—refugees can use their talents to help grow the economy and enrich the local community. By providing refugees jobs with the chance to work, countries gain valuable workers, and refugees have the opportunity to rebuild their lives. With determination and support, refugees can succeed in their careers and create a better future for themselves and the people around them.

[im4uworld]

From Military Barracks to Refugee Haven

🏠✨ Discover how an old barracks transformed into a thriving refugee haven, fosters hope and community! Dive into the inspiring journey and learn about the incredible impact being made.

[theabsolutebee]

Hi,

I am Amani, and as you know, my sister Eman and I are currently living in the besieged Gaza Strip. We are the only ones left from our family. We live with our children in a tent, experiencing the worst living conditions. We are still suffering and struggling to provide water, food, and other necessities. Basic living conditions are not available, and we are living in extremely difficult circumstances.

Our homes have been completely destroyed, and our future shattered. We no longer have a house or anything we own. We have been displaced four times, facing exhaustion and severe illness, including gastroenteritis, high fever, cough, and amoebiasis due to contaminated water and malnutrition. Despite our efforts, we struggled to find the necessary medicine. Here we are now in the Mawasi Khan Younis area, where the intense ongoing bombardment continues.

My brother created this donation link to help us reach safety and save our lives and our children’s lives. Here in Gaza, we find nothing, and the truth is we are fighting to survive. We appeal to the entire world to move to a safe place where we can rebuild our lives in peace. Travel costs are high, but it is the best solution.

Your support means a lot to us.

Thank you very much for your understanding and assistance ❤️

https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-appeal-help-evacuate-my-family-to-safety

Dear Amani,

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your story. My heart goes out to you, Eman, and your children during this incredibly difficult time. The conditions you are enduring are unimaginable, and your resilience is truly inspiring.

I understand the gravity of your situation and the urgent need for support. The loss of your home, the health issues caused by the dire living conditions, and the constant threat of violence are devastating. Your plea for help is clear, and I want to do whatever I can to assist you and your family in finding safety and stability.

I will share your donation link with my network and encourage others to contribute to your cause. It’s crucial that we come together to support families like yours, who are facing such severe hardships. Your fight for survival and desire for a peaceful future are deeply moving, and I hope that with enough support, you will be able to relocate to a safe place and start rebuilding your lives.

Please stay strong and hold on to hope. You are not alone in this struggle, and there are many people who care and want to help. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

With sincere sympathy and support,

THEABSOLUTEBEE

[northgazaupdates]

**MAJOR UPDATE FROM OUR FRIEND MOATAZ**

We have featured Moataz Abu Sakran @moatazart many times in past. He is a gifted multimedia artist and a friend of this blog. You can read more about Moataz’s situation on his blog and in our “#Moataz Abu Sakran” tag.

Moataz’s home was bombed by the occupation early on in its latest onslaught against Gaza. He has been undertaking months of difficult fundraising in order to rebuild his home. In the short-term, he hopes to evacuate with his wife and daughter to Egypt. However, they do not plan on staying in Egypt, but instead to return to Gaza to rebuild their house. He has been undertaking months of painstaking fundraising toward this goal via PayP*l. However, without warning, PP terminated his account. This brought his campaign to a halt, and he was without a way to support his home reconstruction fund.

You can still buy him a coffee to support his work and the rebuilding of his home. So far he has had only 2 supporters. We would like to see that number increase to 10 in the next 24 hours. Let’s see what we can do!

[canmom]

So a little over a month ago I was reached out to by @peterkats, a gay refugee currently living in a camp with a small group of other gay and trans refugees.

Peter has, to put it mildly, had a fucking time of it. In his home country, Uganda, his partner was murdered for being trans. He stayed for some time in Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya with a group of gay and trans people (pictured above), but violence from police forced them to move, and they're currently in a refugee camp run by the UNHCR. (I've been asked not to explicitly name the country but you can probably figure it out.)

Unfortunately this has not in any way been a reprieve. They've managed to flee right into an impending famine, and if that's not enough, they're still facing violence from police and other refugees, and general indifference from the UNHCR medical staff - who are also facing supply shortages. But it's not completely hopeless. When Peter contacted me, he needed money for food - I sent him some via an intermediary and he was able to get quite a bit (the exchange rate seems to be favourable). With help, things can be quite different.

We've stayed in touch since then, talking about our respective lives, the lgbtq situation in different countries, even videogames and music. He's a really sweet guy, despite it all still trying to find a place he can live free. For real, I would not survive any of this shit.

Recently a couple of people in Peter's group have caught malaria. They are currently sleeping on bare mats without mosquito nets. There seems to be some confusion about the exchange rates but as far as I have been able to gather, about €150 (~20,000ssp) gets a mattress and €10(~1000ssp) a malaria net. The UNHCR have not been able to provide any medication except paracetamol, and it's raining which promotes mosquito activity, so this is kind of an emergency.

I would very much prefer if the new friend I've made doesn't die of starvation or malaria. Unfortunately, I do not have the money to support Peter and his group alone. I've sent him money for one mattress (via PayPal for expediency, it won't show up on GFM), and I would be immensely grateful if you would be able to contribute a bit to getting them another (which would be just about enough to keep six people safe from mosquitoes if sleeping three to a mattress).

Beyond that, these guys are prohibited from working so they would definitely benefit from food money. And if anyone has an idea for a long term plan to get them somewhere safer where they're less likely to get bashed, I am sure Peter would appreciate hearing about it. We talked a bit about the UK asylum process but getting everyone here would be very difficult (passports, flights etc.).

But still like, I can only do so much on my own, and I want to give these guys a fighting chance. So if you could pass this around and donate if you can spare a bit? I'd be insanely grateful.

[nerves-nebula]

Another update from abdul:

Dear or beloved donors across the globe 🌎🌍, allow me take this great opportunity to thank you for the previous donations made to our fundraising page.

Your donations have helped us pay off medication bills, construction of two new shelters, and secure food for that past months for our survival.

We have also managed to pay off our medical bills that have been pending hence having a simple relief for awhile.

I lastly thank you again for the endless support granted to us and we call upon for more and more support to our survival as we keep asking unhcr to evacuate us to safety.

Keep supportive to queer refugees soon we expect to be evacuated:

[alwaysbewoke]

[weepingnightmarepuppy]

Come to our rescue

Hello here

This is really touching that lgbtiq refugees have reached a point of going to gabbage disposal for food and others are selling out their bodies to earn a living.

We can't stop the insults from the community but at least we can work hand in hand to stop the hunger.Im calling upon all good hearted people to donate to us however little it may be can save us.If you have anything for us you can reach out to me so that I share the go fund page where you can send us something

[thefinn-ternet]

Day: 25th Oct

#Finn365 

#NeilFinn

At the Kiwis on Board Gig 2016, Neil performed with a Syrian refugee who is also a rapper 🎶🎶🎶

Neil Finn with Sharef King - Don't Dream It's Over (live in Auckland 2016)

Neil Finn website

[ashleymilesphil]

No matter your answer, you have another opportunity right now.

We are a group of LGBTIQ+ refugees struggling to survive in Sudan. Every day, we face unimaginable persecution, violence, and rejection. On top of this, we are battling severe shortages of food, medical care, and shelter.

Hunger is a daily reality. Many of us go days without food, and medical assistance is nearly impossible to access. Our shelters are small and inadequate, leaving us exposed to harsh conditions. For lesbians, even basic sanitary products are out of reach.

With your help, we can change this. Your donation will go directly toward food, medication, and urgently needed tents to provide safe shelter. No amount is too small every dollar makes a difference in our survival.

🌍 Please donate today and be part of our fight for survival. Your kindness can help improve and even save our lives.

https://gofund.me/4d80b32c

If you can’t donate, please share this post to help spread awareness. Thank you for standing with us!