IKEA Foundation’s Post

HIAS Ukraine is committed to equality for all social groups. Our organization advocates for the rights of vulnerable communities in Ukraine. Recently, we joined the United Nations thematic dialogue with colleagues from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, UN Women UK, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and Ukrainian LGBTIQ+ communities to discuss current challenges and barriers for LGBTIQ+ people with local LGBTIQ+ organizations.   The results and recommendations of these discussions will be presented at the UNCT meeting in Ukraine. Recommendations include the following:  - Provide an inclusive and safe platform for local and national LGBTIQ+ organizations to highlight emerging and timely human rights, humanitarian, and recovery priorities. - Ensure the strengthening of LGBTIQ+ communities' voices and participation in the development and implementation of national policies and programs, as well as humanitarian response strategies. - Enable direct interaction of LGBTIQ+ people with the development and humanitarian communities and promote partnerships. - Promote solidarity between movements and facilitate dialogue on strategies to achieve equality, freedom, and justice for all.  Research from four years ago showed that only 28% of Ukrainians expressed a positive attitude towards representatives of these communities. Today, this figure has increased to 73%. However, the problem is still exacerbated by the full-scale invasion. War can lead to exclusion from traditional support networks in displaced and host communities. Such exclusion can be particularly severe for transgender people. That is why, during such thematic dialogues, civil society tries to find ways to coordinate efforts to improve the situation in society as a whole and help their communities in particular.       #StandWithSurvivors #HIASUkraine #HIAS #StandWithUkraine #hiasukraine #Україна #СпільніЗусилля #CommunitySupport #hias

Globally, there are currently the highest levels of displacement on record. At the end of 2022, there were 108.4 million people forced into displacement worldwide, over half of whom were female. As we commemorate #WorldRefugeeDay, we highlight the crucial role that refugee women led organisation play at the frontlines of responding to and preventing Gender Based Violence. At the frontline of GBV prevention and response, refugee women-led organisations are often the first responders to humanitarian crises and displacement, providing lifesaving GBV services and support alongside other interventions that tackle the underlying drivers of inequality, often with limited or no funding. This is a call to action for stakeholders to commit to specific, actionable, time-bound and funded pledges. 📌 Make Funding Accessible  📌 Ensure the leadership of refugee women led organisations 📌 Invest in rigorous research to amplify and learn from refugee women led organisations 📌 Invest in their wellbeing Click the link below to learn more from our Policy Brief on Refugee Women-Led Organisations on the Frontline of Addressing GBV https://lnkd.in/djAHa6YR 

#HumanitarianResponse #EndGBV #UNFPA #Cameroon Unheard voices heard: Unveiling the Cameroon Experience!!! The GBVAoR, under United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Cameroon Country Office's leadership in collaboration with Cameroon's Ministry of Women's Empowerment and the Family, is proud to release the ''Voices from Cameroon'' report. This groundbreaking qualitative assessment sheds a light on the experiences of women and girls navigating the complexities of Cameroon's humanitarian context. More than a report, ''Voices from Cameroon'' is a powerful testament to their strength and resilience: Through their own words, the report explores critical issues faced by women and girls, including gender-based violence (GBV) and access to essential humanitarian services. This vital information will directly inform the development and implementation of programs designed to prevent and respond to GBV, ensuring no voice goes unheard. But the impact of ''Voices from Cameroon'' goes beyond: The report serves as a critical resource for humanitarian workers across all sectors, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of women and girls' needs. This knowledge will empower the creation of programs that are truly responsive and effective. Furthermore, ''Voices from Cameroon'' is positioned to influence key documents such as the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) and the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), ensuring women and girls are at the forefront of Cameroon's humanitarian agenda. Join us in raising the volume on the unheard! United Nations United Nations OCHA UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency UNICEF World Health Organization OIM - ONU Migration UNWomen Wwk Programme Alimentaire Mondial FAO USAID USAID - Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance Ibrahim Younis Diene Keita Sennen Hounton, MD, MPH, PhD Justin Koffi Kristine Blokhus Fabrizia Falcione Dusan Jovanovic Eugene Kongnyuy Pernille Fenger Siaka N. TRAORE Coulibaly Siaka Noemi Dalmonte Aymar Narodar SOME Liliane Munezero Agnes Christele Ndondock

In a world with conflicts in every corner, over 120 million people have fled for their lives, it’s hard to imagine something more heinous. And yet gender and sexual violence is rampant in too many parts of our 🌍. Among the most difficult parts of my missions is listening to the pain - in Libya, Rwanda, and Bangladesh, for example - horrific stories of abuse and violence - vivid recounts of the reasons for flight from Somalia, DRCongo and Myanmar. Some of the stories I heard in South Sudan during my last visit are proof of that — courage, pain and survival from refugee women who have endured the horrors of gender-based violence while they fled the war in Sudan. One of them spoke of the night she was violated and forced to flee her home. She described the violence she survived, the loved ones she lost, and the constant fear she carries. She is now safe, but trying to rebuild her life and protect her children, even as the lasting scars of trauma haunt her. These stories are a painful reminder of a harsh truth: gender-based violence is the most pervasive human rights violation worldwide. We hear it over and over from those who need protection the most. Heart-wrenching but also fuel for our fight not to give up on the need to prevent and respond to such atrocities. As we begin the #16Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, please listen to these voices, stand in solidarity with them and act. There are no words to describe this failure of humanity. There is #NoExcuse for such violence. Together, we must end this injustice. UN Women United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sima Bahous United Nations 🇺🇳 Volker Türk UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

New report calling for the inclusion of people with diverse sexual orientation, gender identities and expressions, and sexual characteristics. Looking forward to reading about the good examples in this report!

Loss and grief are profound, deeply personal experiences that everyone encounters at some point in life. Grief is the natural process to loosing someone or something important,encompassing a range of emotions from sadness and anger to confusion and numbness. Each person’s journey through grief is unique, there’s no right or wrong way to grieve and does it follow a set timeline.It’s essential to allow oneself the time and space to process these emotions and seek support when needed, whether through friends, family or professional counseling. Ultimately, acknowledging and expressing grief is a vital part of healing and moving forward. #lossandgrief #healingfromlosses #refugeeconsortiumofkenya

New Project Alert: Promoting CSO-led peacebuilding initiatives in the Lake Chad Basin sub-region We are thrilled to announce our new project: Promoting CSO-Led Peacebuilding Initiatives in the Lake Chad Basin Sub-Region in partnership with the Integrated Women and Youth Empowerment Center (IWAYEC) This transformative project focuses on the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, aiming to tackle challenges such as displacement, economic vulnerabilities, and social exclusion. Our Goals: 1. Enhance Security and Human Rights: Train security personnel on human rights and establish community-led security committees. 2. Foster Peacebuilding: Empower women and youth through peace education workshops, school-based peace clubs, and interfaith dialogues. 3. Economic Empowerment: Provide women and youth with entrepreneurial training, microfinance access, and mentorship programs to build resilience and reduce vulnerabilities. Impact Areas: - Shuwari, Jiddari Polo, Ngomari, Lamisula, and Maduganari. #PeaceBuilding #Empowerment #SustainableDevelopment #WomenAndYouth #LakeChadBasin #BornoState #UNDP UNDP UNICEF INTEGRATED WOMEN AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT CENTER (IWAYEC) UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

Urgent Hunger Crisis in Refugee Camps: Opportunity to Save Lives Hello world, I bring urgent news of a hunger crisis unfolding here at Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya. The World Food Program (WFP) has announced a drastic reduction in food rations, affecting the most vulnerable among us. This alarming development threatens the lives of countless refugees who rely on these rations for survival. However, amidst this crisis, there is an opportunity to make a difference and save lives. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kiberu Andrew, and I stand as a leader among East African refugees in the Kakuma refugee camp. I am deeply committed to ensuring the well-being and dignity of my fellow community members. Together, we have launched a fundraiser in these challenging times. Our mission is clear: to provide vital support to those residing in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya. Many have fled from the dire consequences of the anti-homosexuality act of 2023 passed by the Ugandan Parliament, seeking refuge far from home. However, their journey is far from over, especially now with the impending food crisis. The fundraiser aims to address the urgent needs of our community members, including sustainable food and clean water supplies, safe shelter, comprehensive medical care, reliable internet access, educational resources, adequate clothing, and hygiene products. The recent announcement by the WFP regarding reduced food support amplifies the urgency of our mission. With food rations being decreased by 40-50% which started in May 2024, resulted into a dire situation here. Our community members are facing unimaginable challenges, and your support can make a significant difference in their lives. By contributing to our fundraiser, you can help ensure that those of us living in the camp have access to the basic necessities required for survival and dignity. Your generosity will provide more than just aid—it will offer hope and resilience to those who need it most. Join us in our mission to combat hunger and provide a brighter future for refugees in Kakuma. Together, we can make a tangible impact and save lives in the face of adversity. Your support matters. Click the link below to donate today and be a part of this life-saving initiative: https://lnkd.in/divpmVzj

In 2024 it is estimated that 120 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations, as published today on UNHCR's Global Trends Report. This means that one in every 69 people, or 1.5 per cent of the entire world’s population, is now forcibly displaced. It is also estimated that 47 million (40 per cent) are children below 18 years of age. Most refugees remain near their country of origin, with 69 per cent hosted in neighbouring countries. Low- and middle-income countries continue to host the majority of the world’s refugees, with 75 per cent of refugees living in low- and middle-income countries. Read the new report here: https://lnkd.in/epiD2J_F #withrefugees #philanthropy #impact #africa #middleeast #rohingya #latinamerica #impactinvesting

The Girlshine project, implemented in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, is a key initiative aimed at enhancing girls' self-awareness and assertiveness, empowering them to stand up against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and gender inequality. Funded through the Safe From the Start program, UNHCR partnered with Women for Action, a refugee women-led organization, to bring this initiative to life. Over six weeks, mentors guided participating girls through a comprehensive curriculum designed to build their confidence and equip them with skills to confront GBV. While initial efforts to involve parents met with resistance, successful lobbying has resulted in their willingness to join a similar program in early 2025. The impact of the Girlshine curriculum was evident during the graduation ceremony on 24th December 2024. Many girls expressed heartfelt gratitude, sharing how the program has transformed their perspectives and prepared them to challenge societal norms. Their emotional testimonies highlighted the strong bonds they had formed with their mentors, who were celebrated with certificates of recognition. The atmosphere was electric, with girls cheering, hugging their mentors, and shedding tears of joy as their names were called. This celebration underscored the profound influence of the Girlshine project, which not only created a safe and supportive space but also fostered meaningful relationships that have the potential to drive positive behavioral change among participants.