UNHCR proposes solutions for refugees residing in Kenyan camps

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has presented the Kenyan government with a proposed set of measures aimed at identifying solutions for refugees living in the Dadaab and Kakuma camps.

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In a statement, UNHCR said it recognizes the tremendous generosity that Kenya has demonstrated towards refugees for many decades and the need to resolve situations of longstanding displacement.

“We have heard the concerns expressed by the Government of Kenya and hope that these measures will be a significant step forward in accelerating sustainable solutions for all those concerned,” said Fathiaa Abdalla, UNHCR’s Representative in Kenya.

The Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps host 430,000 refugees and asylum-seekers of more than 15 nationalities.

UNHCR said its plan, in support of the Government of Kenya, includes:

• Enhanced voluntary repatriation in safety and dignity, while taking into account the movement restrictions related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
• Provision of alternative-stay arrangements to refugees from the East African Community (EAC). This would represent a major opportunity for refugees to become self-reliant and contribute to the local economy.
• Acceleration of the issuing of national ID cards to over 11,000 Kenyans who have previously been identified as registered in the refugee database, and continuation of the vetting process for others in similar circumstances.
• Resettlement to third countries for a small number of refugees who are not able to return home and face protection risks.

“We believe that through joint renewed actions we can put in place measures that respect refugee rights and lead to sustainable solutions. We look forward to continuing our dialogue and collaboration with the Kenyan authorities and partners on this important matter,” said the UNHCR official.