The United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) has said it will provide funds to mitigate the environment degradation caused by the refugees in Dadaab, Garissa.
The head of operation Jean Bosco Rushatsi said they are sourcing funds from donor countries after the host community and leaders complained of environmental destruction.
The leaders have in the recent past said that the Somali refugees in the Dadaab camp have destroyed the environment by cutting down trees around the camps which are used for food and fuel which has left the land bare.
Mr Rushatsi said that the agency will make a contribution to restore the environment adding that the funds being provided will not be to compensate the host community.
Speaking in Dagahaley refugee camp during the celebrations to mark 2018’s Refugee day, Mr Rushatsi said the refugee problem is a shared responsibility.
“UNHCR is not in any way compensating the host community because the destruction caused by the refugees cannot be quantified. This is a gesture to the community for hosting the refugees for over 25 years.”
“These are our sisters and brothers running away from conflict. We have a shared responsibility to host them,” he said.