Statement on the Relocation of Refugees from the Dadaab Refugee Camps to Somalia

 Ogaden Refugee Community  [ORC] and  Refugee Consortium Kenya  [RCK ]is concerned about the reported relocation of refugees from the Dadaab refugee camps to Somalia appearing in both the Standard and Nation newspapers on the 23rd January, 2012.

The Question is { Do Ogaden Refugee Concern this proposed relocations?}

 The article explains that this decision by the Government is a protective measure to counter the proliferation of arms (which is attributed to the influx of refugees) and to secure Kenya against the alleged presence of Al-Shabaab sympathizers in the camps. Operation Linda Nchi's motives were to eliminate the threat of Al-Shabaab to Kenya's national security. The alleged success of the operation is said to be the creation of 'safe places' within Somalia. Internal Security Permanent Secretary Francis Kimemia refers to the securing of these 'safe places' by the Kenya Defence Forces as justification for the proposed relocations.

 ORC and RCK  , We are concerned that these relocations may amount to refoulement - the right not to be refused entry into Kenya when one's life is in danger and not to be forcefully sent back to a place where one's life is in danger. We hereby share with you a statement that we have produced in opposition of the relocation. It has been shared among media houses (print and audiovisual) today and we have also written to the relevant ministries seeking dialogue on the matter.

 We look forward to any feedback you might have on the matter and specifically on supporting advocacy measures to ensure against the deportation of refugees and asylum seekers and further human rights abuses.

ORC works and helps the rights of verlunable Ogaden Refugee in Kenya

The Board

Ogaden Refugee Community in Kenya

[ORC]