DAADAB- Garissa Governor Nathif Jama today accompanied the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi to a field visit of the Dadaab refugee camp to discuss issues surrounding refugees and asylum seekers in the refugee complex.
The two also took stock of progress made in the realization of solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers in Kenya.
The trip was also meant to visit drought-affected communities in Dadaab and bring visibility to stimulate donor support for the crisis.
Speaking during the event, Gvn. Nathif emphasized on the need for integration of refugees and the host community saying they had lived side by side for over 30 years and had become one.
He also called for a departure from humanitarian assistance to human development in long term refugee interventions to find lasting solutions to problems affecting the refugees and the host community.
He urged UNHCR to find ways to support the host community especially now in this period of drought.
On his part United Nations High commissioner for Refugees Mr Flippo Grandi said Daadab has hosted refugees for over 30 years.
“While pursuing more sustainable
solutions with the Kenyan government, we must step up assistance to more than 50,000 new arrivals from Somalia, where they fled drought and violence. Donor support will be key” said Grandi
Dadaab has hosted Somali and other refugees for over 30 years. While pursuing more sustainable
solutions with the Kenyan government, we must step up assistance to more than 50,000 new arrivals from Somalia, where they fled drought and violence. Donor support will be key. pic.twitter.com/1jjuaamf2Z— Filippo Grandi (@FilippoGrandi) October 24, 2022
The Governor was accompanied by UNHCR Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Mohamed Affey among other high ranking UNHCR staff and County staff.
Governor Nathif Jama has also thrown his weight behind the reopening of Ifo II refugee camp.
The governor said the current drought ravaging the region has forced alot of previously resettled refugees to return to Dadaab in search of food and water.
He said the County would communicate its decision to the national government refugee security committees to ensure the newly arrived refugees got proper accommodation.
He called on the UNHCR to move with speed and render assistance to the new arrivals since they were in dire condition and could not wait until after they were profiled.
Additional Reports by Governor’s Press Service.