News comment by UNHCR's Spokesperson, Cécile Pouilly, on the return of Mr James Gatdet Dak to South Sudan

UNHCR is deeply concerned about the well-being of Mr James Gatdet Dak, SPLA IO Spokesperson, who was returned to South Sudan from Kenya on Monday, 2 November. Mr Dak had previously been granted refugee status by the Kenyan authorities.

Mr Dak’s forced return is a violation of the principle of non-refoulement, which is the cornerstone of international refugee law.  

We also regret that UNHCR’s interventions with the Kenyan authorities to stop Mr Dak’s forced return were not successful. 

We urge the Government of South Sudan to ensure that Mr Dak is treated in accordance with human rights law and standards.

News contacts:

• In Geneva, Cécile Pouilly, [email protected], +41 79 108 2625