The Director of Geesi Development and Humanitarian Initiative presented a statement on behalf of the UNHCR Advisory Board of organizations led by forcibly displaced and stateless people during the Fourth Quarterly Informal GCR (Global Compact on Refugees)meeting at the International Labour Organization Head Quarters in Geneva Switzerland on the 02/12/2024. He highlighted the importance of collaboration among affected communities and the international organizations, governments, faith Based institutions, INGOs and individuals of good will in achieving our Humanitarian shared goals. This is because RLOs are often the first responders in crisis situations and they enjoy the trust and support of the community. Applauded UNHCR for her pursuit for complimentary pathways towards resettlement and other durable solutions. He stressed the fact that the involvement of refugees is very crucial because they possess unique educational, professional, expertise and lived experiences that can contribute in shaping governments INGOs policies that can actually support the forcibly displaced and stateless people worldwide even through low cost culturally responsive programs and practices, thus enriching the local environment. He went further to appeal to other countries to fulfill their pledges while commending countries like Canada and Brazil for their leading role in implementing the Meaningful Refugee Participation Pledge. Hence giving access to the vulnerable people to be heard and considered before, during and after policies and project implementation. He ended with a mind blowing question that kept the hall silent for a while. He asked " What is that one specific action that you will take to ensure that the voices of refugees and stateless people are heard in your organizations, foundations and governments" He paid a capacity sharing moments with an RLO in Nairobi Kenya called Umoja Refugee Unity Creative Community center where he was taken through their various activities and they both shared their experiences that had to do with mission, and vision, obstacles, challenges and how they are overcoming them in their various organizations. It was a very fruitful deliberation with the staff and some of the beneficiaries that were on the spot. On that same 19/11/2024, he visited another RLO called Youth Voices in Nairobi Kenya still after a brief meeting at the conference hall with the staff, he was taken round their areas of training such as ICT, language, advocacy and they came back to the conference hall again where they shared their experiences that dwell on their strengths and weaknesses and how they are battling with the weaknesses.

Geesi Development and Humanitarian Initiative participated in the flag up for the 16 days of activism on the 25th of November. She also celebrated the 16days of activism to end Gender Base Violence against women and girls on the 29th of November. They involved refugee/ host community women and girls in our activities and a total of 307 women and about 20 men attended some participated in different roles. She also join other partners in celebrating the program in their various organizations.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that takes place from November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10th, Human Rights Day. It is a time for individuals, organizations, and governments to raise awareness, challenge harmful norms, and advocate for the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls. Gender-based violence (GBV) is a devastating human rights violation that affects women and girls worldwide. It encompasses a wide range of behaviors, including: Physical violence: This includes hitting, kicking, slapping, punching, choking, and using weapons. Sexual violence: This includes rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and forced prostitution. Emotional and psychological violence. To commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Great Step Initiative participated with an empowering advocacy walk. Our team of passionate volunteers, dedicated staff, and other organizations including UNHCR came together to spread awareness and take a stand against GBV. Dressed in vibrant orange, we coloured the town of Ogoja, with our message of hope and justice for all genders. The colour orange symbolizes a brighter future free from violence, we made our voices heard loud and clear. Together, we can end gender-based violence and create safe, inclusive communities for all. Stay tuned for more events and ways you can get involved over the next 16 days!

Child protection program aim to provide preventive and response interventions for children who are victims of, or at risk from violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. It involves identifying signs of potential harm. This include responding to allegations or suspicions of abuse, providing support and services to protect children and holding those who have harmed them accountable. Child protection also works to prevent future harm by creating policies and systems that identify and respond to risk before they lead to harm. In order to achieve these goals research suggests that child protection services should be provided in a holistic way, this means taking into account the social, economic, cultural, psychological and environmental factors that can contribute to the risk of harm for individual children and their families. Collaboration across sectors and disciples to create a comprehensive system of support and safety for children is required. It is the responsibility of individuals, organizations and governments to ensure that children are protected from harm and their right respected. This include providing a safe environment for children to grow and develop, protecting them from physical, emotional and sexual abuse and ensuring they have access to education, healthcare and resources to fulfill their basic needs. To commemorate the celebration of the international children’s day we at GEESI development and Humanitarian initiative had activities with children from age 4-14 years in different activities to sharpen their mind and body to be able to think fast and accurately. The activities that was carried include singing, modeling, learning how to read and write, games and dancing competition to improve their self confidence among their counterpart.

To commemorate the celebration of the international children’s day we at GEESI development and Humanitarian initiative had rehearsal with the children from age 4-10 years in different activities to sharpen their mind and body to be able to think fast and accurately. These activities include spellings, dancing, singing, modeling, reading and games. This avenue helps the children to act like the children they are and not to grow up fast without past through this experience because of the environment they find themselves, the fact that the ran away from their own country does not means they can enjoy childhood properly. This celebration will help them meet with their mate, interact with them