I am an artist based in Bristol UK, who was reached out to by Melvin via the social media mutual aid network, and we have since formed a beautiful friendship. We regularly video call, and Melvin has shown me the UNHCR camp he is living in and registered with. Funds will be transferred directly to Melvin through Remitly. Melvin is originally from Uganda, and has been a refugee for more than three years now.

This fundraiser directly supports Melvin, who is currently living in a refugee camp in East Africa along with hundreds of other queer individuals who are at an extreme risk of violence. After fleeing multiple countries previously to escape persecution for their identities and sexuality. There are approximately 600 refugees at a UNHCR registered camp amongst 16,000 other refugees. This community of queer people have ended up together after being moved from one refugee camp to another, across countries such as Uganda, South Sudan and Kenya more. Melvin and the other leaders are desperately fighting for a better life for everyone, trying to provide food, medicine and safety. They face constant threat from others both within and beyond the camp, and have very little protection, living in exposed tents. This community includes single mothers, young children and trans women who are at an extremely high risk of violence. Everyone here has survived incredibly traumatic experiences, those that no human should ever have to go through. The community is currently residing in South Sudan, for the sake of safety and security, it is important to keep their identities and locations vague.

It is a crime to be queer in South Sudan, illegal for same sexes to share housing and often (with few exceptions) LGBTQ organisations are unable to operate due to the laws around sexuality and identity.

Hello world

My name is Melvin, and I am one of the leaders within the LGBTIQ+ community living in a South Sudan Refugee Camp. Life here is incredibly difficult for us. We face daily hostility, frequent attacks, and constant threats simply because of who we are.

We are currently raising $10,000 to help meet our most basic needs: food, medication, and essential supplies. Your support can make a real and immediate difference in our lives, helping us survive, stay healthy, and maintain hope in a place where safety is not guaranteed.

Beyond financial support, we also need your voice. We ask you to advocate for our resettlement to a safer country where we can live free from fear and persecution. By sharing our story and raising awareness, you can help us move closer to the freedom and dignity every human being deserves.

Please consider making a donation no amount is too small. Your compassion and solidarity mean everything to us.

With gratitude,

Melvin

Melvin is one of the leaders in his community, he provides support to a number of other refugees whether that be providing food, finding medicine, organising movement and making decisions. He is selfless, he is fighting for the lives of everyone who is there with him in this situation. He rarely gets sleep, as they have to sleep in shifts to watch out for attackers, and yet he still provides care for so many people. He is incredibly kind, we talk regularly and he always asks me how my day is going and reminds me to rest when I need it. We share our favourite music with each other and talk about our dreams for the future. Melvin is a beacon of love and care, a truly inspiring person and it is an honour to call him my friend. He once had dreams of becoming a doctor, but due to the abuse he suffered he was unable to complete his studies.

It is not safe to leave the camp, it is not safe inside the camp. There are currently no safe routes to another country. Previously there were glimmers of hope at resettlement, but with the current governing powers in countries such as the US and UK, there are almost zero options. The UNHCR is underfunded in South Sudan and stretched and every step along the way to help takes a lengthy battle. In certain areas, it is so unsafe that UNHCR representatives cannot be present at many of the camps and have to withdraw. Melvin and his friends are working with UNHCR to be resettled somewhere safe, but this is a lengthy process and one they have already been undergoing for years. It is just a waiting game to hear of any news or chances of resettlement, and during this period the community has to focus on survival and keep hopes up of a better life.

Many community members within the camp are HIV positive, and it is a struggle to provide everyone with the medication they need. Some even choosing not to seek treatment, in fear of exposure. It is a constant battle to keep everyone healthy.

Ways in which your donations will help:

Food - It costs approximately £5 to feed one person per day

It makes a significant difference to buy food in bulk, which is around £200 each time lasting for around 3 weeks. The trip to get to the market is dangerous and expensive, with the risk of being robbed or attacked on the way to and from the nearest market. Being able to buy in bulk is not only a lot more cost effective, it also reduces the amount of dangerous trips required to bring in food.

Medicine - Painkillers and basic first aid supplies starting at around £10, depending on what is required

Ongoing medical aid - People with health conditions including HIV need ongoing treatment which have higher costs

Ongoing stability - Donating directly to Melvin helps to increase stability to the community, allowing them to distribute between the community exactly where it is needed for direct support. The ongoing crisis in South Sudan leaves millions of people in dire need of help, and their needs are struggling to be met. Help from charities is imperative, but it is not possible to help everyone, or even most of them.

Melvin needs continuous support, the whole community relies on aid and our donations, we have decided to aim to raise £10,000 as this is a substantial amount that could provide an incredibly significant boost to the communities quality of life. We strive to provide Melvin ongoing support, we hope one day they will be able to live somewhere in peace, comfort and safety and be given the space to enjoy life again. They long for safety, to dance and love and build a life for themselves, but this isn't an option where they are now. Melvin has plans for when he finds safety, to continue to raise awareness and advocate for Africa's queer community, he is dedicated to his extended queer family and has unwavering determination.

It is absolutely imperative to not only donate, but to amplify these voices and share Melvin's story. It is not at all safe for Queer people in South Sudan to exist, so this means that posting consistently on social media and showing their situation through photos and videos regularly is not safe. This would risk them becoming a target. Therefore it is up to us to make sure Melvin's story reaches people who are in a position to donate and make a difference. Even small donations are going to be incredibly helpful.

Please donate to extend your support and solidarity with the LGBTQ community to our siblings in South Sudan right now. This page will be updated regularly, and proof of Melvin receiving the donations can be provided.

To learn more about what is happening, please read more through some of the links provided.

https://freethinker.co.uk/2025/05/we-exist-we-resist-we-are-not-invisible-queer-atheist-and-humanist-refugees-in-south-sudan/

https://76crimes.com/2025/05/08/lgbtqi-refugees-in-south-sudan-trapped-between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place/

https://www.unhcr.org/countries/south-sudan