On May 31, 2025, the Sudan Human Rights Association (SHRA) organized an impactful engagement with 60 Sudanese youth refugees—both male and female—living in Central Kampala. The session was held in Wandegya and facilitated by SHRA’s Program Management Team.
This event aimed to create a safe, open platform for youth to express their concerns and contribute toward shaping future humanitarian efforts. It also highlighted SHRA’s mission to uplift refugees through advocacy, legal support, and community empowerment.
SHRA’s Vision Shared with Refugee Youth
SHRA began the session by sharing its vision, mission, and objectives, reaffirming its commitment to:
- Advocating for refugee rights at national and international levels
- Facilitating access to protection and support systems
- Supporting youth-led development in urban refugee communities
This dialogue aligns with SHRA’s role as a trusted voice for Sudanese refugees and internally displaced persons in East Africa.
Key Challenges Raised by Youth Participants
The youth participants warmly welcomed SHRA, noting it was the first organization to meet them on the ground since their arrival in Uganda. They raised several urgent concerns:
- Limited awareness of refugee rights — especially regarding legal protection, education access, business opportunities, and freedom of movement.
- Inaccessible education — High tuition costs prevent many youth and children from attending school, with few opportunities to pursue university-level education.
- Healthcare barriers — Most cannot afford treatment or follow-ups for serious medical conditions due to poverty.
- Lack of skills training — Youth need vocational programs to enter the labor market and earn a sustainable income.
- Food insecurity in urban areas — Unlike camp settings, urban refugees often miss out on food distributions.
- Delays in obtaining refugee IDs — Many face long waiting times and exploitation from brokers when registering with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
- Undelivered financial aid — Frustration over promised funds from organizations like GiveDirectly, with participants requesting SHRA’s intervention.
- Desire for resettlement — Many youth expressed a strong need for relocation to countries with better healthcare, education, and stability.
SHRA’s Commitments and Immediate Response
SHRA acknowledged each issue with deep concern and shared concrete steps being taken:
- Presenting youth concerns to stakeholders, NGOs, and policymakers
- Following up on the GiveDirectly aid delays
- Continuing these sessions regularly to amplify youth voices
“This visit is not a one-time effort. SHRA is here to walk with you, advocate for you, and act on your behalf,”said one SHRA staff member.
Youth Seek Continued Engagement and Resettlement Support
The youth emphasized a need for ongoing dialogues with SHRA and other humanitarian organizations. Their goal is to ensure that future aid planning includes urban youth voices—especially in Kampala, where displacement often goes unseen.
SHRA reaffirmed its role as both an advocate and ally, promising to bring their concerns to the attention of relevant agencies and donors.
Photo Highlights from the Kampala Youth Discussion
Conclusion
This engagement marks a pivotal step forward in giving refugee youth the recognition, resources, and respect they deserve. SHRA will continue working tirelessly to include these young voices in every stage of humanitarian response planning.
🌍 To learn more about our work or to support refugee youth initiatives, visit:
👉 www.sudanhumanrightsassociation.org
