The government has adopted a comprehensive refugee response framework, which will improve the coordination of refugee issues and address the needs of host communities.
Dr. Fred Matiang’i, Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Government Coordination stated that the new approach will culminate in a multi-sectoral self-reliance program for refugees and the host community.
“The overall goal of the comprehensive refugee response framework is to provide a well-coordinated and predictable government-led response to refugee issues while also addressing the needs of the host community in refugee programs,” Matiangi explained.
He said the government has reviewed the law related to refugees and a new Refugee Act 2021 has been enacted to provide more and better ways to support refugees in the country.
“The government has formulated the Kenya comprehensive refugee response framework with the aim to implement the New York convention of 2016 and the Global Compact of refugee of 2018,” said the CS.
Kenya is offering refuge to 550, 817 refugees. A majority of the refugees are from the horn of Africa and the great lakes region and are hosted in camps and urban areas.
The Cabinet Secretary said the government is also committed to equipping refugees with skills that will be useful to the rebuilding of their lives upon return to their countries once conditions in their countries of origin become better.
“As we mark this day and reflect on the perseverance of the refugees that we have given asylum, we shall not forget the host community who have warmly welcomed our fellow brothers and sisters and accommodated them to coexist peacefully,” he said.
UNHCR Country Representative Caroline Van Buren said the day is meant to honour the courage and contribution of millions of people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes due to violence, war or persecution.
Van Buren said the day helps to remember that with the help of hosts people can rebuild their lives and even thrive.
She recognized Pur Biel, a South Sudanese refugee who was given an opportunity to practice running and competed in the first refugee team in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and was selected as team leader for the refugee Olympic team in Tokyo 2020.
