The government’s decision to close down Daadab and Kakuma refugee camps is likely to put thousands of innocent lives at risk, rights lobby Amnesty International warned on Friday.
“This reckless decision by the Kenyan government is an abdication of its duty to protect the vulnerable and will put thousands of lives at risk,” said Muthoni Wanyeki, Amnesty International regional director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes.
“It could lead to the involuntary return of thousands of refugees to Somalia and other countries of origin, where their lives may still be in danger. This would be in violation of Kenya’s obligations under international law,” she said.
In a statement, Interior PS Karanja Kibicho had earlier on Friday said the decision to close Dadaab and Kakuma camps was due to “.”
He said Kenya has hosted more than 600,000 refugees for over a quarter of a century and had shouldered a “very heavy economic, security and environmental burden.”
He also asked for the support of the international community to expedite the process.
“While it is true that resettlement to third countries has been slow, Kenya should itself consider permanent solutions towards the full integration of refugees, some of whose stay in Kenya is now over generations,” said Muthoni Wanyeki.
“Forced return to situations of persecution or conflict is not an option.”
According to United Nations, Dadaab hosts about 600,000 refugees while the three camps were designed for only 90,000 people.
A year ago, after the April terrorist massacre at Garissa University College, Kenya announced it would swiftly close both camps.
This created an international outcry making the government to back down and said closure would be very gradual.
The specific reason for the announcement on Friday is not known but could be linked to the foiled anthrax attack on Wednesday linked to terror group with links to ISIS.