The LuQuLuQu campaign, the UNHCR initiative, held a public walk in solidarity with families forced to flee their homes across Africa on September 23 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The campaign sought to raise awareness on the plight of refugees across Africa. The continent hosts the highest number of forcibly displaced persons – over 24 million and the “Step for Safety” walk draws attention to the perilous journey refugees have taken to find safety.
“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,” said the UNHCR Kenyan Representative, Raouf Mazou.
He says that in his years, he has 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, which is why the walk sought to bring together other Kenyans to share in the plight of the displaced.
Several refugees from 13 African countries including South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other affected countries participated in the walk. Kenyans from all walks of life including celebrities, government, UNHCR partners, as well as members of the diplomatic corps also joined the campaign.
After the walk, supporters had an opportunity to walk the steps of a person forced to flee in an experiential simulation of a UNHCR reception center, refugee registration process, distribution on non-food items and refugee shelter, all designed to build first-hand knowledge of the refugee experience.