New Guide Helps Refugees in Kenya Access Support After Reporting Abuse
Kakuma, 18 August 2026
The Refugee Consortium of Kenya has launched a Kiswahili guide to help Kakuma refugees safely navigate legal, medical, and psychological support systems after reporting gender-based violence.
Navigating the Critical Post-Reporting Phase
Published on 8 June 2026, the Kiswahili-language resource titled “Baada ya Kuripoti GBV: Nini Kifuatacho?” serves as a practical blueprint for survivors residing in the Kakuma refugee camp and the Kalobeyei integrated settlement [1]. The guide is designed to deconstruct complex legal, medical, and psychosocial pathways, making them accessible to individuals who may speak English as a second language [1]. Any refugee or asylum seeker within these settlements who has experienced or reported gender-based violence (GBV) is eligible to access these comprehensive support structures [1][GPT].
Accessing Vital Medical and Legal Pathways
To ensure maximum safety, survivors must navigate these local systems systematically. Medical assistance is highly time-critical; for instance, standard clinical guidelines dictate that post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV transmission must be administered within 72 hours of an assault [GPT]. Alongside immediate medical attention, the Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) provides ongoing legal aid and psychosocial counselling, helping survivors understand their rights under Kenyan law and guiding them through the reporting process safely [1]. There are no formal deadlines for seeking psychosocial support, but immediate contact with RCK or camp-based clinics is strongly advised to preserve evidence and secure early clinical care [1][GPT].
Strengthening Regional Protection Frameworks
While RCK addresses immediate local needs in Kenya’s refugee camps, broader regional initiatives are simultaneously working to secure long-term legal protections for survivors and their families across East Africa. On 17 August 2026, the UK-based charity GRACE International announced updates on the second phase of its project, “Legal Protection of Children Born of Conflict-related Sexual Violence (CBoCRSV): A Strategy for Advocacy in Africa” [2]. This initiative operates in tandem with local organisations to address the systemic vulnerabilities faced by survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and their children [2].
Collaborative Mapping and Advocacy Timelines
The second phase of the GRACE International project is scheduled to run from July 2026 to September 2026, focusing heavily on regional mapping, data visualisation, and networking [2]. During this active timeframe, GRACE Uganda is engaging with cross-border groups, community-based organisations, and non-governmental entities to identify gaps in existing advocacy structures [2]. By upskilling youth leaders and enhancing safeguarding policies, the project aims to establish a robust, survivor-centred strategy that ensures the social inclusion and legal protection of children born of conflict-related sexual violence [2].