UNHCR statement on the future of Kenya's Dadaab refugee camps
This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Karin de Gruijl – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
The Government of Kenya has announced that the Dadaab refugee camps should be closed within three months and the 350,000 Somali refugees living there returned to their country. The Government's decision was announced this past weekend following the horrific attack at Garissa University earlier this month.
UNHCR too has been shocked and appalled by the Garissa attack. High Commissioner António Guterres and his staff stand in solidarity with the people of Kenya. We reiterate our condolences to the families of all the victims.
Kenya has been generously hosting and protecting refugees from violence and persecution in neighbouring Somalia for more than two decades. UNHCR works closely with the Government of Kenya and we understand well the current regional security situation and the seriousness of the threats Kenya is facing. We also recognize the obligation of the Government to ensure the security of its citizens and other people living in Kenya, including refugees.
UNHCR is nevertheless concerned that abruptly closing the Dadaab camps and forcing refugees back to Somalia would have extreme humanitarian and practical consequences, and would be a breach of Kenya's international obligations.
We are thus urging the Kenyan authorities to give the matter further consideration. UNHCR stands ready to work even more closely with the Government of Kenya to strengthen law enforcement at Dadaab and support other measures to protect refugees and Kenyans alike against possible intrusion by armed actors from across the border.
In December 2014, a pilot scheme was launched to support people who seek to voluntarily repatriate to one of three relatively safe areas of Somalia, namely Luuq, Baidoa and Kismayo. We are ready to work with the Governments of Kenya and Somalia to step up this program where there are opportunities for voluntary repatriation. Nonetheless, for now UNHCR considers that large-scale returns are still not possible in many parts of the country, in particular to South Central Somalia.
UNHCR reiterates it continued commitment to supporting the Government of Kenya in its protection of Somali refugees going forward.
For further information on this topic:
- In Nairobi: Raouf Mazou,mobile +254 716 359 655
- In Nairobi: Emmanuel Nyabera,mobile +254 733 995 975
- In Geneva: Karin de Gruijl, mobile +41 79 255 9213
- In Geneva: Babar Baloch, mobile +41 79 557 9106
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2. The Legal Framework. Annex 14 - UNHCR's Handbook on Procedures and Criteria for Determining Refugee Status
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Key Observations and Recommendations: Report 2
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The 10-Point Plan in action: Chapter 3/Annex 3.2. European Commission Recommendation 06.XI.2006
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Solidarity's Reach: Meaning, Dimensions, and Implications for EU (External) Asylum Policy
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Statement of Montenegro to the third formal consultation, agenda item one
10 Apr 2018 ... made in relations to host countries’ obligations in the introductory para 43. Nevertheless, ... legal status and to have an equal access to all services accordingly is the primary obligation. ...... -
Summary Record of the 528th Meeting Held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, on Tuesday, 6 October 1998, at 3 p.m
12 Oct 1998 ... of a State's international protection obligations. 2. The number of refugees living in Ireland ... Burden-sharing did not mean that developed countries could meet their obligations only by assisting ...... -
Report of the United Nations Board of Auditors on the Financial Statements of the Voluntary Funds Administered by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for the year ended 31 December 2003
1 Sep 2004 ... ... from currency exchange adjustments, interest income and cancellation of prior years’ obligations. ... Unliquidated obligations 24. Owing to better planning, the proportion of unliquidated obligations to ...... -
No. 11: Alternatives to Detention of Asylum Seekers and Refugees. Ophelia Field
1 Apr 2006 ... ... in accordance with other international obligations or national law, following due consideration ... 2: The Nature of the General Legal Obligation Imposed on State Parties to the Covenant’, ...... -
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5 Apr 2006 ... the full implementation by States of their obligations under international refugee and human rights ... of access to health care flows from the obligation of State parties to the ICESCR to ensure ......