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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Communication from the European Commission on A Common Policy on Illegal Immigration (COM(2001) 672 final). UNHCR's Observations
1 Jul 2002 ... ... general rescue-at-sea obligations, adequate protection safeguards for refugees and asylum-seekers. ... territory to third country nationals and the obligation to protect those genuinely in need of ...... -
UNHCR's Comments on the Draft Bill on amending the Aliens Act, the Marriage Act and other Acts (Ref: 2001/7310-81)
18 Mar 2002 ... context of this Draft Bill, to adhere rigorously and fully to its various Convention obligations. ... to extend protection to all persons for whom Denmark has an international obligation to do so. ...... -
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UNHCR Manual on Refugee Protection and the ECHR - Part 2: Fact sheets
1 Apr 2003 ... ... In these circumstances, Article 3 implies the obligation not to expel the person in question to that ... since it appears that, for the Court, the obligations under Article 3 of the ECHR prevail over any ...... -
Refugee Protection and Human Trafficking: Selected Legal Reference Materials, First Edition
1 Dec 2008 ... ... of protection based on non-refoulement obligations under international human rights law or the ... humanitarian and human rights law obligations, and specifically mentions the 1951 ...... -
UNHCR welcomes EU asylum directive, urges highest standards
9 Oct 2006 ... Monday to live up to their legal and moral obligation to protect refugees and asylum seekers by ... Living up to our legal and moral obligations to refugees and asylum seekers is one way of fulfilling ...... -
Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (1984)
10 Dec 1984 ... dignity of the human person, Considering the obligation of States under the Charter, in particular ... 2. States Parties shall carry out their obligations under paragraph I of this article in ...... -
Refugee Protection and Mixed-Migration: The 10-Point Plan in Action: Chapter 6 Differentiated processes and procedures. Reference 9 - UNHCR, Refugee Protection and Human Trafficking, selected legal reference materials, December 2008
1 Jun 2009 ... ... of protection based on non-refoulement obligations under international human rights law or the ... humanitarian and human rights law obligations, and specifically mentions the 1951 ...... -
Recommended Principles and Guidelines on Human Rights and Human Trafficking
2002 ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Guideline 10: Obligations of peacekeepers, civilian police and ... in persons do not affect the rights, obligations or responsibilities of States under ......