KITUO CHA SHERIA BLOG

Kituo cha Sheria, Refugees and the World are today celebrating the World Refugee Day-20^th June, 2019. Under the theme: #StepWithRefugees; Kituo is part of communities, schools, businesses, organizations, faith groups and people from all walks of life who are taking big and small steps in solidarity with refugees.

In a world where violence forces thousands of families to flee for their lives each day, the time is now to show that the global public stands with refugees. This World Refugee Day, Kituo challenges everyone to join together and take a step with refugees. We are part of the movement-everyday, through Kituo’s Forced Migration Programme (FMP); we are devoted to addressing legal and policy needs of refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons residing in urban areas in Kenya with a view to improving their welfare and guaranteeing access to and enjoyment of the institution of asylum.

On this International day we seek to educate the public on this issue of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address refugees, and to celebrate and reinforce achievement of humanity- especially in our part of the world. World Refugee Day is observed on 20 June every year to raise awareness about the conditions and problems that refugee face in their lives. This day provides an opportunity to show globally that we all are with refugees. This year specifically, we are taking a step with refugees!

Millions of people are forced to move from their homes every year to keep safe from war, persecution or natural disaster. According to the United Nation (UN) every minute, around 25 people have to leave everything in search for better and safer life. In urban areas in Kenya, Kituo puts her little effort in service to humanity. Kituo in partnership with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) opened the FMP Branch Office to assist the urban refugees in need of legal protection. The inspiration to start an Urban Refugee Intervention Centre was mooted when Kituo found itself unable to turn away refugees and asylum seekers, who were survivors or witnesses of various human right abuses in their home countries and their country of asylum (Kenya). We are the people’s watchdog over the implementation of the Refugees Act of 2006, to ensure the refugee’s rights under the new law are realized. In addition, FMP advocates for the respect and protection of IDPs rights. We offer a range of services in legal protection and guidance to our clients in the areas of legal advice in all legal issues, legal representation, assisting Refugees in obtaining of work permits, birth and death certificates, Identity cards etc., referral service to our other partners and investigations of systematic Human Rights violations against refugees. We help our target group in identifying and litigating on Public Interest issues touching on refugees, monitoring cases of Insecurity and Gender Based Violence, research, and training on Human Rights and Refugee law.

Today, and every day into the future let us all take big and small steps- in solidarity with refugees. Celebrate the World Refugee Day! #StepWithRefugees

RCKM

Kituo Cha Sheria