Ep. 31 - Darfur Refugee Interpreter Reveals UN 'Incentive Labor' Reality in Kakuma Camp

Hear the powerful and detailed testimony of Adam Mohamed Bashar, a Darfuri refugee and interpreter working with UNHCR in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. Forced to flee genocide in Sudan, Adam shares his harrowing journey, the emotional toll and ethical challenges of interpretation, and exposes the exploitative "incentive labor" system facing many refugee workers. This conversation was recorded under challenging conditions, but Adam's vital story deserves to be heard.In this in-depth interview, Adam discusses:His personal history: fleeing the Darfur genocide, the loss of his family, and his journey to Kakuma.Life and challenges within Kakuma Refugee Camp, including limited resources.The demanding and often traumatic reality of working as a Fur and Arabic interpreter for UNHCR, highlighting the scarcity of interpreters for his language group and the lack of adequate support like leave.The "incentive labor" system: where qualified refugees in vital roles (nurses, interpreters, social workers) for NGOs are paid extremely low wages (as little as $50-$60/month) with minimal benefits, contrasting sharply with national staff pay.His advocacy through film projects, "The Bridge" (fictional) and "Incentive Labor" (documentary), created with colleagues (Photofilm 4 change / Pamoja Film Project Changemakers) to raise awareness.His powerful message calling for fair treatment, equal pay, and professional recognition for refugee interpreters and incentive workers globally.Adam's story highlights the incredible resilience of refugees and the urgent need for systemic improvements in how humanitarian aid and employment are structured for displaced populations.HOW TO HELP:If you feel moved by Adam's testimony and wish to support refugees in Kakuma and similar situations, please consider learning more about or donating to reputable organizations working in the region. We encourage you to do your own research before donating. Here are a few:UNHCR (The UN Refugee Agency): https://www.unhcr.org/get-involved/ways-donateWorld Food Programme (WFP): https://www.wfp.org/support-usInternational Rescue Committee (IRC): https://help.rescue.org/donate/rescueNorwegian Refugee Council (NRC): https://www.nrc.no/ (Visit main site and look for "Donate")Danish Refugee Council (DRC): https://drc.ngo/ (Visit main site and look for "Support Us" or "Donate")Lutheran World Federation (LWF): https://lutheranworld.org/donate-nowWindle International Kenya (WIK - Education Focused): https://www.windleinternational.org/donate-to-windle-international-kenya00:00:51 Adam's Introduction: Background & Fleeing Darfur Genocide00:02:07 Journey to Kenya & Becoming a UNHCR Interpreter00:03:50 Daily Life & Challenges in Kakuma Refugee Camp00:04:56 Personal Loss & The Emotional Toll of Interpretation00:07:10 The "Incentive Labor" System & Low Pay for Refugee Workers00:10:43 Interpreter Workload, Scarcity & Lack of Support (e.g., No Leave)00:16:32 Adam's Education & Learning English00:18:29 The Interpretation Process & Different Interview Types00:27:18 Resettlement: Criteria, Process & Adam's Own Case00:34:28 Adam's Film Projects: "The Bridge" & "Incentive Labor" Documentary00:43:17 Adam's Message: A Call for Fair Treatment of Humanitarian Interpreters00:47:00 Sharing His Work & Call for Support for Their CBO (Photofilm 4 change)00:50:00 Interview Conclusion & Final Thanks