The United Nations Commission on Human Rights (UNHCR) has welcomed the decision by the Kenyan government, to extend repatriation process of refugees at the Dadaab Camp.
Kenya extended the exercise that was to be completed November 2016, by six months.
UN has however called for flexibility on the time-frame for refugee repatriation.
“For refugee repatriation from Dadaab to be successful, much more time is needed. For solutions to be genuinely voluntary, people must be properly informed and able to make their individual decisions free from pressure and in full awareness of the facts,” UNHCR siad in a statement.
“A verification exercise taken between July and August confirmed a population of 58,000 refugees had reduced compared to the last excercise. Another 40,500 people who either possess or are on record as having applied for Kenyan identity cards were identified," added UNHCR.
According to the organisation, plans have commenced the relocation of 14,000 non-Somali refugees to Kakuma Refugee camp in Turkana.
"16,000 refugees awaiting resettlement clearances will have these procedures finalised to enable departure from Kenya to third countries."
The UN agency has also called on the International community to make adequate investments in Somalia to support its progress towards security and stability.