The Embassy of Germany in Kenya has condemned cases of discrimination in Ukraine and on EU borders “no matter by whom or under which circumstance”.
Through a statement shared on social media, the embassy acknowledges reports of Kenyan and African students and nationals caught up in the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine having difficulties accessing EU territory at the borders.
“We take these reports very seriously. Every case is one too many,” the mission said.
It, however, noted that the developments are not the policy of the EU or its member states.
On the contrary, it said, as EU member states, they all work on quick and pragmatic solutions for everyone fleeing the violence perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine.
“Africans fleeing the Ukraine have already arrived in Germany and are being provided with support. We apply unbureaucratic solutions to anyone who needs a visa in these dramatic circumstances. To our knowledge, these incidents are individual ones in an ongoing dramatic humanitarian crisis of the Russian President Putin’s making,” the statement added.
Germany Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told UNGA in New York that: “Every refugee must receive protection, no matter what their nationality, their origin or the colour of their skin.”
Meanwhile, the European Union has promised that all war refugees from Ukraine will be accepte, including African students from Kyiv.
There have been reports of racism against Africans seeking to flee troubled regions. They have been barred from accessing trains and crossing over to neighbouring countries citing lack of visas.
This drew reaction from the African Union, which in a statement said everyone should enjoy the same rights to cross to safety from the conflict in Ukraine, notwithstanding their nationality or racial identity.
“Reports that Africans are singled out for unacceptable dissimilar treatment would be shockingly racist and in breach international law. In this regard, the chairpersons urge all countries to respect international law and show the same empathy and support to all people fleeing war notwithstanding their racial identity,” the statement said.
Troubled regions in Ukraine are home of hundreds of Kenyans, especially students studying medicine, engineering and military affairs.
Ukraine Foreign ministry has, however, denied cases of racism and discrimination against Africans and blacks fleeing the country following Russia invasion.
In a statement on Monday, the ministry said there is no discrimination based on the race or nationality, “including when it comes to the crossing of the state border by foreign citizens”.
All registered Kenyans in Ukraine safe, Foreign ministry says
