UNHCR seeks more funds for refugees in Africa

Luquluqu ambassador Mercy Masika, UNHCR Kenya spokesperson Yvonne Ndege and Luquluqu ambassador Pinky Ghelani in Nairobi on November 16, 2017 at the launch of the UN refugee agency's campaign – Luquluqu. It is a home-grown solution to Africa's refugee crisis. PHOTO | KANYIRI WAHITO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The funds drive dubbed LuQuLuQu will run in Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal.
  • Donor funding to Africa has reduced due to other crises worldwide.

The refugee agency UNHCR has launched a major funds drive for support of refugees in Africa to mitigate diminishing donor funds.

The funds drive dubbed LuQuLuQu will run in Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal.

The LuQuLuQu campaign is hinged on the African philosophy of “Ubuntu” or “Ujamaa” that promotes the principles and values of shared responsibility, shared resources, and caring for one another, inherent to African culture and belief.

Speaking to journalists in Nairobi, Yvonne Ndege, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Kenya spokesperson, said the money will help the agency run refugee affairs in Africa.

She attributed the cash crunch to the increased crises worldwide and displacement of people, especially in Syria and the Mediterranean Sea.

She said when refugees from these regions move to other countries, the funds that would have come to Africa are instead redirected to them.

“We are seeking a home-grown solution to the ever increasing Africa refugee crisis.

"It is a call on Africans to take action to solve the continent’s worsening refugee crisis,” said Ms Ndege.

FUNDRAISE

“Earmarked funding for Africa and displaced communities from traditional donor countries like the United States and the European Union has seen a steady decline and continues to drop.

"This negative shift in funding is having a terrible effect on refugees across the continent.

"The negative shift calls for new home-grown ideas for refugees, internally displaced persons and asylum seekers on our doorstep,” Ms Ndege said during the event.

The LuQuLuQu campaign is a social movement that seeks to create a community of supporters.

Africa has more than 20 million displaced people, almost half a million of whom call Kenya home.

The overall funding gap for UNHCR's refugee activities in Kenya for 2017 currently stands at USD165.1 million.

Those willing to contribute towards the cause can donate online through donate.unhcr/luquluqu or via M-Pesa paybill number 329 278.