Commemorating IDAHOT day, ORAM to release a viral campaign urging governments and the UNHCR to open their refugee systems to sexual and gender minorities.
Geneva, April 30, 2014
ORAM – Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration is excited to present its viral social media campaign for IDAHOT, the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, to be commemorated on 17th May 2014. Last year, 120 countries were involved in IDAHOT.
The campaign includes “To Carry You,” the work of San Francisco artist Marconi Calindas. Mr. Calindas utilizes vibrant images and colors to depict diversity and promote visions kindness, equality and peace.
Along with raising awareness to the urgent needs of LGBTI refugees worldwide, ORAM’s IDAHOT campaign is promotes a petition urging the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and governments to open their protection systems to these highly vulnerable migrants. The actions urged include tracking and releasing statistics regarding SOGI based asylum requests; resettling LGBTI refugees; and acquiring needed expertise through trainings. ORAM’s petition is found here.
This is an urgent call for the agencies charged with protecting refugees to translate words and documents into action,” said ORAM founder and executive director Neil Grungras. When implemented, the steps we have outlined will go a long way to assure that the few who manage to escape this global epidemic of hatred we reach safety.”
ORAM – Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration is the leading global advocate for people fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. ORAM increases global support for thousands of refugees and asylum seekers through advocacy, education and direct assistance, and provides technical assistance to individuals and groups interested in working with sexually and gender non-conforming refugees, asylees, and asylum seekers.