The United Nation Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has outlined a plan of action in line with Kenya’s request, detailing a roadmap to the closure of Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps.
The proposed set of measures is aimed at identifying solutions for refugees living in the camps.
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 agency also wants 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,” said Abdalla.
They also want an 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.
Among the proposals is a resettlement to third countries.
This is for a small number of refugees who are not able to return home and face protection risks.
“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,” she said.
The union also proposed the enhanced voluntary repatriation in safety and dignity, while taking into account the movement restrictions related to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“Resettlement to third countries for a small number of refugees who are not able to return home and face protection risks,” she added.
“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 Abdalla.
The Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps host 430,000 refugees and asylum-seekers of more than 15 nationalities.
The demands comes after Kenya asked UNHCR to give a timeframe for closing Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps.
The union was given an ultimatum for a roadmap on the closure of the camps over insecurity and environmental degradation.