Donors pledge 105mln USD for return of Somali refugees in Kenya

Donors on Wednesday pledged 105 million U.S. dollars to support Somali refugees in Kenya and help them to voluntarily return home in safety and dignity.

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)-backed conference also saw representatives from over 40 countries and organizations pledge to provide training and job opportunities in Somalia for 10,000 returnees.

"While recognizing that conditions in Somalia are not yet conducive for large-scale returns, participants committed to support those refugees who have already chosen to return to make their reintegration back home more secure and sustainable," the statement said.

During the pledging conference hosted by the European Commission and UNHCR in Geneva, the world committed resources to a plan of action designed to improve socio-economic conditions in Somalia and support refugees preparing for return from the Dadaab camps in Kenya.

"The two-year plan will focus on improving security and law enforcement, rehabilitation of infrastructure and environment, expansion of access to education, water and sanitation services, health care provision, shelter, agriculture and the creation of job opportunities," the statement said.

The EU committed 68 million dollars to support the creation of sustainable solutions for Somali refugees in Somalia and in the region.

The statement said 56.7 million dollars of that will support the reintegration of refugees and internally displaced persons in Somalia, for example by increasing access to basic services, enhancing livelihoods and reducing vulnerability in areas of return and departure.

The UNHCR said 11.4 million dollar programme for northern Kenya will provide relief and better opportunities for Somalia refugees who find themselves in particularly vulnerable situations when returns are not yet possible.

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Interior Joseph Nkaissery emphasized the need for the world to support Kenya in all ways to address this problem which it has shouldered for over 25 years.

Nkaissery underlined that countries across the world, who have generously hosted Somali refugees, were watching to see how the international community would support the repatriation from Kenya.

More than 5,300 refugees have now returned to Somalia since December 2014, assisted by UNHCR and partners while a significant number of Somalis have returned spontaneously.

Over 2 million Somalis remain displaced in the region, including some 1.1 million in their own country and 967,000 as refugees in the neighbouring countries.

The majority (420,000) are living in Kenya, mostly in the five refugee camps in Dadaab in the north-east of the country. Nearly 250,000 Somali refugees live in Ethiopia, an estimated 240,000 in Yemen, while over 29,000 are in Uganda and nearly 12,000 in Djibouti.

The plan of action requires a total amount of 500 million dollars and is aligned with the Somalia New Deal Compact framework.

At the same time, there will also be increased support for hosting communities, in particular in Kenya, which has been hosting hundreds of thousands of Somali refugees over the last two decades.

"Somalia needs our help, now more than ever. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support by the international community, for the commitment by the host countries to continue to provide protection to Somali refugees and for the promise by others to step up their contributions to make returns safe and sustainable," High Commissioner Antonio Guterres said.

Somali Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmake said too many of Somali citizens have been in exile for too long.

"After 25 years of feeling unable to come home, the positive changes in the country have given them hope. They want to return and help rebuild Somalia into a prosperous and successful nation. We are grateful for the support of the international community to help us achieve this," Sharmake said.

According to UNHCR, security and socio-economic conditions in many parts of Somalia are not right for large-scale returns.

Many refugees remain doubtful about returning, but some are eager to leave life in exile behind and help rebuild their country.

To end one of the world's most complex refugee situations it is vital to make sure that the small number of returns can be successful and contribute to a more peaceful and stable Somalia. Enditem