Refugee women wait for food ratios at Dadaab camp. UN agency claims refugees that have been repatriated are sneaking back into the camps. Photo/the-star.co.ke]
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has claimed some refugees that have been repatriated back to their own country have sneaked back to the camps.
UNHCR senior protection coordinator Denis Alma Kuindje acknowledged that some refugees have sneaked back to the camps after voluntary repatriation.
Mr. Kuindje said the agency is not taking lightly the return of refugees adding that there are areas with security concerns.
“There are refugees who have sneaked back to the camps even after being repatriated. We collect information from those who come back to the camps and the new arrivals. There are areas with security challenges and lack of social amenities,” he added.
Mr. Kuindje further said that repatriation process in some areas like Baidoa has been suspended due to a drought and a cholera outbreak while in other areas due to security issues.
“Since the process was launched in late 2013, the number of refugees in camps has gone down. It is important to note that the UNCHR is only facilitating a return to areas considered safe,” Mr. Kuindje said.
He, however, said that the UN agency will continue with the repatriation of Somalis from the camp and to assist them to return home safely and voluntarily.
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