Sunday, December 10, 2017

What To Do with Somali Refugees in Kenya

The Mogadishu-based Heritage Institute for Policy Studies published in December 2017 a report titled "Durable Solutions for Somali Refugees: A Case Study of the Involuntary Repatriation of Dadaab Refugees" by Mohamud Yusuf Garre.

For several years, Kenyan authorities have been trying to shut down the large Somali refugee camp at Dadaab, calling it a breeding ground for terrorists. In February 2017, a High Court judge in Kenya blocked the government's plan to close Dadaab. Nevertheless, since 2014 some 73,000 Somali refugees have been repatriated to Kismaayo, Baydhabo, and Mogadishu. The report argues that Kenya should seriously consider integration for those long-term refugees who have gone through the Kenyan school system and are capable of prospering in Kenya. For those who do not meet this standard, repatriation must be voluntary, safe and dignified.