Roundup: Global aid agency faults repatriation of Somali refugees in Kenya

International aid agency on Monday faulted the closure of the world's largest refugee camp in northeast Kenya, saying the repatriation of more than 280,000 refugees are not being done humanely.

Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said in a report released in Nairobi that Kenya's decision in May to close the Dadaab refugee camps in November has led to a situation where the voluntary returns process do not meet international standards and breaks the agreement that Somalis would be assisted to return home safely and voluntarily.

"We are willing and able to enable voluntary return, but the pressure to push more than 280,000 registered refugees from Dadaab camp has led to chaotic and disorganized returns," said NRC's Secretary General Jan Egeland.

The report criticizes the returns process from Dadaab camp to Somalia, as no longer being voluntary, safe or dignified.

The Tripartite Agreement for the voluntary return of Somali refugees from Kenya was signed by the Kenyan and Somali governments and UNHCR in 2013, based on international law.

"The initial returns program under the 2013 Tripartite Agreement was largely a success, as it saw Somalis would be assisted to reach their return locations safely and with dignity. We should return to the terms of this agreement, rather than simply aiming to push back as many refugees as possible," said Egeland.

The report, titled Dadaab's Broken Promise, highlights the major failures of the current returns process.

"Refugees in Dadaab need international protection. The Kenyan government and the UN refugee agency should reinstate the organized and voluntary process of return under the Tripartite Agreement. The unrealistic deadline must be removed before the situation further deteriorates," Egeland said.

Kenya, UNHCR and Somalia have laid down plans to repatriate about 150,000 Somali refugees by the end of 2016. The camp would be closed in November.

In addition to failing to meet international standards for voluntary return, the report finds that refugees returning to Somalia are not sufficiently protected.

"The number of vulnerable Somalis planned for return far outstrips the resources available to support them in Somalia," warned NRC's Country Director Neil Turner in Kenya.

"Sustainable return should form a key component of the returns program. It must prevent families ending up in displacement camps in Somalia or returning as undocumented refugees to Kenya," said Turner. Endit