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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The Problem of Refugees in the Light of Contemporary International Law Issues: Papers presented at the Colloquium organized by the Graduate Institute of International Studies in collaboration with the Office of the UNHCR, Geneva, 26 and 27 May 1994
May 1994 ... ... as the principle of non-refoulement (the obligation of States not to return a refugee to a ... But such limitations did not automatically imply an absolute obligation to admit on a durable basis. ...... -
United Nations Treaty Handbook
2006 ... ... 27 5.3.4 Intention to create legal obligations under international law ...... The depositary’s duties are international in character, and the depositary is under an obligation ...... -
UNHCR Protection Training Manual for European Border and Entry Officials - 7. The Return of Persons not in Need of International Protection. Annex 8 - Remote Controls: How UK Border Controls Are Endangering the Lives of Refugees
2011 ... ... In order for the UK Government to comply with its legal and moral obligations, it must ensure that ... whether the UK’s specific human rights obligations are integrated sufficiently, or at all, into ...... -
5. Ethics and Communication at Border Points. Annex 6 - Remote Controls: How UK Border Controls Are Endangering the Lives of Refugees
2011 ... ... In order for the UK Government to comply with its legal and moral obligations, it must ensure that ... whether the UK’s specific human rights obligations are integrated sufficiently, or at all, into ...... -
Submission by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the case of M.S.S. v. Belgium and Greece
Jun 2010 ... 5 examines the relationship between obligations under Dublin II and those under international law. ... be presumed to uphold its international obligations, that relevant EU Directives have been ...... -
No. 19: Climate Change Displacement and International Law: Complementary Protection Standards. Jane McAdam
1 May 2011 ... ... as people whom other countries have an obligation to protect: ‘refugees’, ‘stateless ... are acting pursuant to their OAU Convention obligations.’ 63 This is significant because the ...... -
Submission by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the case of M.S.S. v. Belgium and Greece
Jun 2010 ... 5 examines the relationship between obligations under Dublin II and those under international law. ... be presumed to uphold its international obligations, that relevant EU Directives have been ...... -
Climate Change Displacement and International Law: Complementary Protection Standards. Jane McAdam, 2011
May 2011 ... ... as people whom other countries have an obligation to protect: ‘refugees’, ‘stateless ... are acting pursuant to their OAU Convention obligations.’ 63 This is significant because the ...... -
No. 35: The Right to Family Life and Family Unity of Refugees and Others in Need of International Protection and the Family Definition Applied, 2nd edition
Jan 2018 ... ......... 11 2.3 State obligations and responsibilities regarding the right to ... regional courts on the issue; States’ obligations and responsibilities regarding the right to ......