Title: Repatriation as a Controversial Concept: The Case of Somali Refugees in Kenya
Abstract:Repatriation is currently considered the preferred durable solution for refugees; however, it is often a controversial concept that does not always serve refugees. Repatriation is promoted due to the ...Repatriation is currently considered the preferred durable solution for refugees; however, it is often a controversial concept that does not always serve refugees. Repatriation is promoted due to the political and self-interested motives of UNHCR, states of origin and host states. In addition to this, the standard of voluntary repatriation is frequently not upheld in practice, despite its importance for refugee protection. The case of Somali refugees in Kenya exemplifies this, as repatriation is being promoted even though the conditions in Somalia are not yet conducive for return. This paper shows that current repatriation efforts are the result of key stakeholders' motives (UNHCR, Governments of Kenya and Somalia) and refugees are returning prematurely due to multiple push factors in Kenya. Consequently, this is neither a voluntary return nor a durable solution for Somali refugees in Kenya and compromises their protection. REPATRIATION OF SOMALI REFUGEES IN KENYA 2 List of Abbreviations DLI Development through Local Integration DRA Department of Refugee Affairs EU European Union GISR Global Initiative on Somali Refugees HDI Human Development Index HIPS Heritage Institute for Policy Studies HRFOR Human Rights Field Operation in Rwanda HRW Human Rights Watch IDP Internally Displaced Person IGO International Governmental Organization IOM International Organization of Migration MSF Medecins Sans Frontieres NEP North Eastern Province NGO Non-governmental Organization PRS Protracted Refugee Situation RCK Refugee Consortium of Kenya RPF Rwandan Patriotic Front RSD Refugee Status Determination UN United Nations UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNRWA United Nations Relief and Works Agency WHO World Health Organization WFP World Food Programme REPATRIATION OF SOMALI REFUGEES IN KENYA 3Read More
Publication Year: 2015
Publication Date: 2015-08-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 1
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