Join us and #DoItLuQuLuQu
22 September 2018, Narobi, Kenya
22 September 2018, Narobi, Kenya. The LuQuLuQu campaign, The LuQuLuQu campaign, an initiative of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has held a public walk in solidarity with families forced to flee their homes across Africa. The “Step for Safety” walk took place today in Nairobi, Kenya.
Africa hosts the highest number of forcibly displaced persons – over 24 million. In raising awareness of the plight of refugees, “Step for Safety” draws attention to the perilous journeys refugees have taken to find safety.
“I have witnessed first-hand the resilience of refugees, and the generosity of African communities who’ve received families forced to flee as their brothers and sisters, often for decades,” said Raouf Mazou, UNHCR Kenyan Representative. “The ‘Step for Safety’ walk is another way Kenyans will show solidarity with refugees who take long, difficult steps to secure their safety every day while supporting the empowerment of refugees themselves. This is the spirit of the LuQuLuQu initiative.”
A number of refugees from 13 African countries including South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other affected countries will be participating in the walk. Joining them will be Kenyans from all walks of life including celebrities, government, UNHCR partners, as well as members of the diplomatic corps.
Following the walk, supporters will also have an opportunity to walk the steps of a person forced to flee in an experiential simulation of a UNHCR reception centre, refugee registration process, distribution on non-food items and refugee shelter, all designed to build first-hand knowledge of the refugee experience.
About LuQuLuQu
LuQuLuQu is a social movement that was created in November 2017 by the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to transform public perceptions of the over 24 million African men, women and children who have been forced to flee their homes because of conflict or persecution. The campaign takes ownership of shaping the narrative of Africa’s forcibly displaced to recognize their resilience and promote their self-reliance, empowerment and inclusion. The campaign welcomes the private sector to participate, this includes individuals, companies, foundations and private philanthropists. More information can be found here: www.luquluqu.org
For more information, please contact:
Amina Rai: raia@unhcr.org
Tel: +254 792339766
Dana Hughes: hughes@unhcr.org
Tel: +254 733 440536
Yvonne Ndege: ndege@unhcr.org
Tel: +254 797735977
