DADAAB
18th MAY, 2012
On the 15th May 2012, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in Dagahaley
refugee camp claiming the life of an administration police officer and leaving others
injured. We condemn this act and stand in solidarity with the family, friends of the
deceased and the security forces at large during this difficult period. The Refugee
Consortium of Kenya (RCK) appreciates the need for increased vigilance in
maintaining security at a time when incidences of terrorism are on the rise. We are,
however, concerned that extreme measures are being taken by law enforcement officers
since this incident and the discovery of IEDs in Dadaab on several other occasions.
refugee camp claiming the life of an administration police officer and leaving others
injured. We condemn this act and stand in solidarity with the family, friends of the
deceased and the security forces at large during this difficult period. The Refugee
Consortium of Kenya (RCK) appreciates the need for increased vigilance in
maintaining security at a time when incidences of terrorism are on the rise. We are,
however, concerned that extreme measures are being taken by law enforcement officers
since this incident and the discovery of IEDs in Dadaab on several other occasions.
These concerns are corroborated by information from our community contacts and
through interviews with assaulted individuals in Hagadera, Dadaab refugee camps. The
information gathered indicates that the law enforcement officers broke into homesteads,
shops and looted property belonging to refugees. It is also alleged that the officers
arrested several persons and only discharged them after they parted with sums of money
ranging from Kshs. 2,000 to Kshs. 5,000.
through interviews with assaulted individuals in Hagadera, Dadaab refugee camps. The
information gathered indicates that the law enforcement officers broke into homesteads,
shops and looted property belonging to refugees. It is also alleged that the officers
arrested several persons and only discharged them after they parted with sums of money
ranging from Kshs. 2,000 to Kshs. 5,000.
The law enforcement officers are reported to have assaulted both adults and minors in
the presence of their family members. One of the minors sought medical attention for
soft tissue injuries sustained and has a medical report to support this. A 27-year old man
was assaulted with the butt of a gun on his forehead and sustained visible injuries to his
lower lip. He was arrested and released the next day after paying a bribe of Kshs. 3,000.
A 63-year old man lost two of his teeth in the assault and was also arrested. Women and
girls complained of being indecently assaulted and handled. We denounce the
indiscriminate and abusive use of force by law enforcement officers in their blanket
condemnation of refugees as suspected criminal elements.
the presence of their family members. One of the minors sought medical attention for
soft tissue injuries sustained and has a medical report to support this. A 27-year old man
was assaulted with the butt of a gun on his forehead and sustained visible injuries to his
lower lip. He was arrested and released the next day after paying a bribe of Kshs. 3,000.
A 63-year old man lost two of his teeth in the assault and was also arrested. Women and
girls complained of being indecently assaulted and handled. We denounce the
indiscriminate and abusive use of force by law enforcement officers in their blanket
condemnation of refugees as suspected criminal elements.
RCK has taken measures to address this through presenting these grievances to the
Hagadera Police Officer in Charge who dismissed these claims on the basis that the
police operate under difficult circumstances where they are constantly targeted and
understaffed. While RCK acknowledges the challenge that faces the entire police force,
we condemn the use of extreme force towards all persons and especially vulnerable
persons such as refugees which amount to gross human rights violations. We call for
restraint and respect for human rights at all times. We call for dialogue between
partners, communities and the security forces on strengthening available
communication channels and alternative methods of instituting security measures. We
believe that the community has a significant role to play in policing and rooting out
undesirable elements that may be a danger to our security and hence the need to partner
with them.
RCK advocates forrefugeHagadera Police Officer in Charge who dismissed these claims on the basis that the
police operate under difficult circumstances where they are constantly targeted and
understaffed. While RCK acknowledges the challenge that faces the entire police force,
we condemn the use of extreme force towards all persons and especially vulnerable
persons such as refugees which amount to gross human rights violations. We call for
restraint and respect for human rights at all times. We call for dialogue between
partners, communities and the security forces on strengthening available
communication channels and alternative methods of instituting security measures. We
believe that the community has a significant role to play in policing and rooting out
undesirable elements that may be a danger to our security and hence the need to partner
with them.
eeprotectionthroughlegalreforms,policydevelopment,civic educationand
research
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