UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi visits women centre in Dadaab. He called for aid from international donors. [Photo/reliefweb.int]
A top United Nations official on Wednesday called for more aid from international donors in a bid to mitigate the plight of refugees at the Dadaab camp.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi urged international donors to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance as plans progress for the voluntary return of hundreds of thousands of refugees from Kenya to their home country.
Mr Grandi said refugees still living in the camp require basic services such as food, water, health services, and shelter.
“In light of the current situation, and despite plans for the return of refugees to Somalia, UN strongly urges all stakeholders, and international donors, in particular, to ensure adequate funding for providing continued assistance and security in the camps in Kenya,” he said.
“I can assure you that UNHCR and our partners are doing our best to use the scarce resources available to meet the most basic needs,” Mr. Grandi said.
He expressed his regret that donor support is diminishing at a time when refugees here still require ongoing aid.
“At a time when many other countries are closing their borders and adopting restrictive measures, Kenya is continuing to host refugees.”
“This commitment of Kenya must be matched by the international community with humanitarian and development funding as well as increased resettlement places, university scholarships, and other opportunities,” he said.