UNHCR issues statement on Govt of Kenya’s intention to close Dadaab & Kakuma refugee camps

Kenya: Kenya has ordered the closure of two sprawling camps that host hundreds of thousands of refugees from neighbouring Somalia and South Sudan and gave the UN refugee agency – UNHCR – two weeks to present a plan to do so.

UNHCR Statement on the Government of Kenya’s intention to close Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps seems terrible to several people of the world.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is grateful to Kenya’s people and Government for generously hosting refugees and asylum-seekers for several decades and recognising the impact this generosity has had.

The Kenyan authorities have informed UNHCR of their intention to close the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps within a short timeframe.

UNHCR is concerned about the influence this decision would have on the safeguard of refugees in Kenya, including in the context of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. UNHCR will continue our dialogue with the Kenyan authorities on this issue.

UNHCR urge Kenya’s Government to ensure that any decisions allow for suitable and sustainable solutions to be found and that those who continue to need protection can receive it.

UNHCR stands ready to support Kenya’s Government in continuing and further strengthening the work that is ongoing to find orderly, sustainable and respect refugee rights.

A Facebook user commented, “I thanks the UNHCR for the immediate response; we wish fair and successful dialogue …. refugees are innocent and needy.”

Another resident, Why make innocent souls susceptible to rape, death, and destruction in a lawless country rated as one of the world’s most dangerous countries. Innocent refugees who have suffered Warrenton human rights violations due to lousy governance should not be dragged into Kenya vs Somali political disharmony, which they do not have a hand in. The humanitarian crisis that will be the aftermath of Kenya’s decision to repatriate refugees will be regrettable.

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