Dear KANERE readers,
We are pleased to publish a new edition of Kakuma News Reflector (KANERE).
Since 2008, KANERE has focused on issues that matter to refugees based in Kakuma refugee camp. We continue to report under adverse conditions, in the face of immense financial and security challenges.
In this publication, we offer fact-based insight and analysis from the ground to our readers and supporters. The stories in this edition draw attention to how refugees are reluctantly abiding by necessary restrictions put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. As well as recently enacted enforcement measures, we examine the impact of climate change on refugees and its role in the growing number of refugees being displaced within Kakuma camps.
We discuss the issue of insecurity and report on raids of refugee-populated areas at night, including recent attacks which have resulted in death and injury. Finally, we report on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. We highlight how social isolation is exacerbating mental health problems among refugees and asylum seekers, leading to suicidal behaviors and reports of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
While producing this publication, KANERE teams of different nationalities have engaged with refugee communities to increase awareness of COVID-19 protection and prevention measures, by broadcasting audio recordings including dramatized performances. This work was made possible by support from GIZ-CPS. Previously, we have reached and addressed our communities in various languages, including English, Somali and Swahili. In this cycle, we are broadcasting in two additional languages: The Nuer and Dinka languages of South Sudan. With South Sudanese refugees numbering almost 100,000 in Kakuma, we are glad to serve the country’s entire population in their mother tongue.
In our entire broadcasting, residents of four camps of Kakuma and Kalobeyei settlement have accessed factual information about the pandemic. These tremendous efforts are possible thanks to support from the GIZ Civil Peace Service Programme (GIZ-CPS) and the Kenya Community Media Network (KCOMNET).
We appreciate and welcome readers and interested writers to read, share and comment on our social media channels. We also highly encourage humanitarian workers to share insights and opinions using our email address → kakuma.news@gmail.com or info@kanere.org.
Sincerely,
Qaabata Boru, Tolossa Asrat, and G. Ibrahim