KENYA: Catholic Bishops appeal to the government to reconsider decision to close the refugee camps
(Center) Rt. Rev. Philip Anyolo, chairman of KCCB and Bishop Homabay Diocese and Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante, Bishop of Maralal and chairman of KCCB Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Seafarers
Diocese and Rt. Rev. Virgilio Pante, Bishop of Maralal and
chairman of KCCB Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Seafarers
The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) has appealed to the government of Kenya to reconsider its decision to close the major refugee camps in the country. In a statement that was issued at a press conference in Nairobi on May 18, the Bishops said that closing the Dadaab Refugee Camp will without any doubt have far reaching implications not only for hundreds of thousands of refugees but to the region at large.
“Guided by the principles of Catholic social teachings on migrants, we emphasize that Kenya’s regulation of borders and control of immigration, particularly forced migration, must be governed by concern for all people, mercy, and justice,” the statement said.
the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Internal Security & Interior Coordination issued directive on the proposed closure of refugee camps in Kenya in two statements separately issued on Friday May 6 and Wednesday May 11.
The Bishops however acknowledged concerns for national security, which was cited by the government as the main reason behind the decision to close the camps. However, they said that the determination to reinforce safety must be done out of care and protection for all those within Kenya’s borders.
“Individuals seeking asylum in Kenya have a right to be protected and enjoy basic services until lasting solutions are found in their home countries, or within the country of asylum as well through third country resettlement. We reiterate that any form of involuntary repatriation may expose the returnees to dangers of persecution. We are deeply concerned that forcible return of hundreds of thousands of refugees will cause catastrophic humanitarian consequences,” the statement said.
The Bishops reassured the government of their commitment to collaborate in order to search for long-term and sustainable solutions for refugees. They urged the Government to reconsider this decision and pursue opportunities for dialogue and work with relevant actors to ensure the smooth and voluntary repatriation of refugees as well as prioritization of a long-term dignified refugee response.
AMECEA Online News Correspondent
