HIAS Africa has served and continues to serve the most vulnerable refugee population who have sought refuge in the urban centres of Nairobi and Kampala and in refugee camps in Chad. Many of the refugees HIAS Africa serves are survivors of torture and/or sexual or gender-based violence. HIAS Africa has developed a reputation for exceptionally comprehensive services and gained international recognition.
HIAS Kenya
HIAS Africa’s operations began in Kenya in 2002, with the launch of HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya (HRTK). HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya (HRTK) was established as a partnership between local NGOs and the HIAS Inc. This was in response to a critical gap in resettlement case identification for refugees out of Nairobi.
In 2011, HIAS Kenya expanded its activities and began offering psychosocial assistance and child protection services to refugees in Nairobi. HIAS Kenya has opened three site offices in Kayole, Kawangware and Eastleigh estates in Nairobi – areas where majority of the refugee populations reside. Through these site offices, HIAS Kenya’s critical and valuable services have been brought closer to the clients HIAS Kenya serves.
HIAS Uganda
In 2003, HIAS Kenya began conducting circuit rides in Kampala, Uganda where refugee interviews and the cases were handled by the team in the HIAS Kenya office. However, HIAS’ services were limited and many of the refugees could not access HIAS’ services on the ground. this lead to the formation of the HIAS Uganda office where HIAS’ resettlement, capacity building and traning services were made accessible to many refugee and partners in Kampala.
In 2012, HIAS Uganda set up two site offices in Nsambya and Rubaga. The site offices offer psychosocial counseling, social assistance services and capacity building for refugees and partners.
HIAS Chad
Created in 2005 in partnership with IsraAid, the Israeli Forum for International Humanitarian Aid, HIAS Chad was established in response to the Darfuri refugee crisis, to strengthen Sudanese refugees’ psychological and social conditions and to teach skills needed to survive and function in the aftermath of genocide and other forms of extreme violence.
Each of these operations are registered in accordance with local laws and operate both as a humanitarian service provider and an advocacy voice. HIAS Africa pursues a community based strategy in all the three countries it operates.
AI: Hello human, I am a GPT powered AI chat bot. Ask me anything!