AFRICA/KENYA - After the Bishops, the Jesuits also say "No to the closure of the reception camps"

Monday, 19 April 2021 refugees  

Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - "JRS reaffirms the appeal from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops and recommends that the Government of Kenya exert maximum forethought and caution in this particular time of uncertainty, wisely considering the legal obligations imposed by international law and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Convention", states the Kenyan section of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), taking a stand on the announced closure of the refugee camps of Dadaab and Kakuma. On March 24, Interior Minister, Fred Matiang'i, announced the government’s intention to shut the camps and gave the U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) two weeks to present a plan to do so. A decision criticized by many, including the Bishops of Kenya (see Fides, 14/4/2021).
The organization promoted by the Jesuits recalls among the obligations imposed by international law that the government of Nairobi is called to respect "the principle of non-refoulement" as well as the practical limitations of closing large-scale refugee camps hosting more than 410.000 people and the moral obligation to take care of the most vulnerable in society and to pursue the common good".
Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Kenya recognises and appreciates the efforts and commitment shown by the Government of Kenya to generously welcome and protect refugees and displaced people over the years, playing a lead role within the region and assuring a safe space to thousands of families seeking asylum. JRS also recognises that the situation in Kenya for forcibly displaced people from Somalia, South Sudan, the Great Lakes and more recently from the Tigray Region in Ethiopia is becoming worse, due to protracted and emerging conflicts and the Covid-19 pandemic.
JRS reaffirmed its commitment to continue to support the Government of Kenya and all its stakeholders by providing basic services and support to refugees and host communities in Nairobi and in Kakuma refugee camp. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 19/4/2021)


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