Social integration

• This recognition comes as a tribute to the organization's innovative efforts aimed at improving the lives of thousands of refugees and individuals in need worldwide.
• The seventh edition of the AED 500,000 SIARA award selected TBB from 423 candidates representing 41 countries.
• This recognition highlights the organization's innovative approach in addressing gaps in global refugee humanitarian efforts.
• The non-profit's strategy came in response to reports which indicate that 12.7 million of the world's refugees are of working age, and amongst them millions are skilled.

• View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230518005672/en/
  Grandmaster (GM) Fabiano Caruana from the United States sealed the win as the 2023 Superbet Chess Classic Romania champion during the first leg of the Grand Chess Tour.
• “It is exciting for an American GM to win the 2023 Superbet Chess Classic Romania.
• “We've had a remarkable start to the Grand Chess Tour 2023, with an incredible audience turnout at the Superbet Chess Classic Romania.
• As the Superbet Foundation, we remain committed to bringing top chess talents to Romania, acknowledging the profound impact of chess on education, intellect, social integration, and cultural cohesion.

• This has happened with the tacit approval of a law enforcement apparatus that’s supposed to guarantee the right to equal protection.
• The continued criminalisation of same-sex sexual relations among consenting adults in Kenya worsens social disparities and inequalities.
• Research has shown that sexual and gender minorities are consistently targeted for unfair dismissal from jobs or business opportunities.

Inclusive development for economic growth

• This often leads to poorer outcomes in terms of income, human capital endowments and access to employment.
• People who are discriminated against tend to lack a voice in national and local decision making.
• The exclusion of minorities, therefore, means the loss of a workforce and their contribution to economic development.

Better health outcomes

• Social exclusion contributes to poor health among sexual and gender minorities.
• In a 2020 report, the group estimated that discrimination against sexual minorities costs Kenya up to Sh105 billion (US$782 million) annually in poor health outcomes.
• Our research shows, for example, better health such as decreased new HIV infections in societies that adopt laws that advance non-discrimination and decriminalise same-sex relationships.

Enhancing safety and security

• The resolution expresses grave concerns about increasing violence and other human rights violations – including murder, rape and assault – of individuals based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Safety and security are some of the biggest challenges facing sexual and gender minorities in Kenya.
• Kenya has seen an escalation of negative rhetoric and violence targeting sexual and gender minorities, and related organisations.

Acceptance of diversity

Sexual and gender minorities are socially excluded because of the criminal label the law imposes on them. This affects their self-acceptance and mental health. Homophobic acts are widespread even in countries where same-sex relations are legal. However, decriminalisation helps facilitate some level of acceptance among minority groups and within wider society. Studies have found that decriminalisation reduces societal violence.

The way forward

• Social exclusion constitutes perhaps the most serious challenge towards attaining sustainable and inclusive development.
• The criminalisation of same-sex relations among consenting adults in Kenya’s penal code exposes the weaknesses of the constitution in ensuring inclusivity.
• It would certainly open a new chapter in the lives of sexual and gender minorities.
• Lucy Wanjiku Mung’ala is affiliated with Hivos, where she works as the strategy and impact lead - gender equality, diversity and inclusion.

• Now is the time to take action to address social isolation and loneliness and promote social connection.
• Today, the Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness (CESIL), released its 2023-2024 policy priorities and recommendations for the 118th Congress and the Biden Administration.
• The coalition's comprehensive policy agenda advocates for solutions that address the adverse impacts of social isolation and loneliness and ensure greater social connection for all U.S. populations.
• Enhance social services and supports to address social isolation, loneliness, and promote social connection.