ORAM was founded in 2008 to address a critical gap in the global humanitarian and refugee space. Since then, ORAM has tirelessly supported LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees in key geographies—including the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region, across the African continent, Central America, and Eastern Europe — who often face neglect, discrimination, and even persecution, not only from their governments but also from state and non-state actors responsible for their protection.
Over the last nearly two decades, the international refugee landscape has shifted significantly. With climate and natural disasters increasing, as well as international and national conflicts, those fleeing persecution purely based on who they are, are forced to fight for dignity and limited resources, along with other marginalized and vulnerable groups worldwide.
Due to the increasing number of international displaced persons, resettlement was only available to 0.6% of the over 43.7 million refugees globally. With political shifts in the Global North and the decline of national resettlement and related programs, LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees often have no choice but to stay in neighboring countries that closely resemble the political, religious, cultural, and social landscapes of the nations they fled. ORAM has worked in these countries for nearly 17 years.
Owing to actions by the current U.S. administration and the dismantling of the asylum and resettlement program, more vulnerable LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees will have no choice but to stay in these countries of first asylum and transit countries.
We are relieved and thankful that despite everything happening today, ORAM currently remains strong and can continue doing the work we have been doing for many years in countries where it is most needed. Our on-the-ground presence and ability to work closely with the community we serve are more vital than ever.
Our economic empowerment and livelihoods programs are critically needed now more than ever, as basic services for those in need in key countries we work in are being scaled back and even completely suspended. Our vision of empowering LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees, those who are so often forgotten and left behind, to live dignified lives in first countries of asylum and become self-sufficient is the only sustainable way this vulnerable community will survive the changing global funding and political landscape.
Our protection services, such as shelter and multi-purpose cash assistance, will continue to help LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees in transit countries and countries of first asylum meet their basic needs, allowing them to focus on their futures and build new, safe, and dignified lives.
Our ongoing LGBTIQ inclusion work, such as training and capacity strengthening of a variety of different stakeholders in key regions, will ensure that LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees are not forgotten and pushed aside during this critical time.
Lastly, our advocacy, both at regional and national levels, will continue ensuring that LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees and their unique challenges and needs will play integral parts in all future humanitarian and refugee responses.
By remaining true to ORAM's core values — collaborative, adaptive, responsive, equitable, and solutions-oriented — and with the ongoing support of our generous donors, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees globally.
ORAM C.A.R.E.S.!
Anja Limon is ORAM's longest-serving staff member. She recently celebrated her eighth anniversary working for the organization. As Director of Programs, Anja oversees ORAM's programs in Kenya, Central and Eastern Europe, Mexico, and other countries. She lives in Berlin, Germany.
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