The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has told refugees living in Kenya to respect the rule of law so as to avoid prosecution even as they enjoy their various rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution.
KNCHR CEO Dr Bernard Mogesa raised concerns on increased cases where refugees are suspected to have committed crimes especially robbery with violence across the country.
“As you enjoy your rights and freedoms as refugees, I also remind you that you have a duty to respect the rule of law," he said.
"I visited the Kakuma Law Courts to access the challenges faced by refugees as far as access to justice is concerned and the statistics there show that a number of refugees have been arrested as suspects in cases of robbery with violence and defilement,” Mogesa added.
Mogesa spoke during the World Refugee Day celebrations at Kalobeyei refugee camp in Kakuma, Turkana county on Thursday.
He revealed several gains made in ensuring that refugees and host communities enjoy their right to access to justice.
Mogesa’s sentiments were echoed by the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) through Kalobeyei Kakuma camp manager Edwin Chabari who said action will be taken against refugees and asylum seekers who commit crimes.
“Gangs in the camps, your days are numbered,” Chabari warned.
Chabari attributed security challenges in refugee camps to the increase in the number of refugees getting into the country on a daily basis.
“Statistics show that we had 774,370 refugees and asylum seekers as of 31st May, 2024. Sventy two per cent of those are refugees, while 28 per cent are asylum seekers,” Chabari said.
According to KNCHR, 382, 658 refugees and asylum seekers are in Daadab refugee camp, 288,206 in Kakuma refugee camp while 103,506 are urban refugees.
“Compared with a month ago (April, 2024), the number of refugees and asylum seekers increased by over 4,100 persons. That is attributed to the resumption of registration of refugees as well as the arrival of more refugees in the country,” Mogesa said.
On their side, the global United Nations body that focusses on the rights of refugees UNHCR led by the head of Kakuma Sub-Office Nanduri Sateesh applauded the government for improving refugees livelihoods, especially on the matter proper registration as well as combating human trafficking.
Sateesh said the upgrading of the Kakuma’s status to a municipality had also increased investment opportunities in the area.
“This has helped in improving the economic status of the refugees and host communities. The barriers between host communities and Refugees have reduced in Kakuma since the area was made a municipality.
Forced evictions is a great challenge, but now we celebrate the solidarity in the shared human values that we enjoy between the refugees and host communities,” Sateesh said.
Refugee representatives who spoke during the function appreciated various opportunities the Kenyan government had given them as well as the good relationship they enjoy with the host communities.
Despite the tremendous obstacles they face, most refugees have risen to be successful entrepreneurs and business owners who are rebuilding their lives, providing for themselves and their families and giving back to their host communities.
“The barriers that we witnessed before are now vanishing and the host communities are co-existing peacefully with the Refugees,” Mogesa said.
This year’s World Refugee Day theme was “For A World Where Refugees Are Welcome.”
The day also offered an opportunity to commend African Union Member States for upholding the provisions and spirit of the 1969 OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa since its adoption in 1969 and entry into force in 1974.
The 1969 OAU Convention has made the asylum regime in Africa one of the best refugee protection systems in the world.
