Kakuma Refugees Camp Issues Urgent Petition to UNHCR Highlighting Dire Conditions
By Majur Chol Khor
Representatives from the Kakuma Refugees Camp have delivered a passionate petition to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the international community, urging immediate intervention to address alarming conditions affecting thousands of refugees residing in Kenya.
Amidst dwindling resources, forced integration policies, and inadequate healthcare, the refugees outlined their grievances in a formal appeal aimed at safeguarding their rights and improving their living conditions.
“We as refugees are forcefully told to integrate, but this means losing our identity and essential services,” said Josephine, a representative from the camp. “Our safety will be compromised if we are left alone without proper support.”
The primary concern raised was the significant reduction in food aid by the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNHCR, which has led to rampant starvation within the camp.
“Previously, we received enough food provisions, but now, we are left with inadequate rations,” lamented Ahmed, another representative. “Three kilograms of cereals and cash support of less than $5 per month is not sufficient to survive.”
Malnutrition is reportedly on the rise, particularly among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and small children. An increase in health complications has alarmingly affected the community, leading to a higher death rate due to starvation and inadequate medical care.
Water scarcity is another pressing issue in Kakuma, where refugees reside in a semi-arid climate. A dire lack of timely repairs for broken boreholes has forced refugees to resort to digging in dry riverbeds for water. “Water is life, and we are being denied this basic necessity,” stated Samuel, echoing the sentiments of many in the camp. “When boreholes break down, responses are slow due to a lack of funds—a worrying trend.”
The refugees also highlighted substantial health risks due to limited access to quality healthcare. Confined to substandard facilities, many refugees struggle to obtain necessary treatments, facing delays and under trained medical staff. “We fear losing our lives due to inadequate facilities and lack of medication,” one refugee expressed. “Complicated cases are often mishandled because there are no qualified personnel available.”
Compounding these challenges is a newly proposed fee structure in educational institutions, which is forcing many students to drop out. The introduction of school fees and registration costs for exams has left countless refugee students struggling to continue their education.
“Education is a right, not a privilege. Why should we pay fees when we can’t earn a living?” questioned Fatuma, a high school student.
In their petition, the refugees called for immediate action to resolve their plight:
- Urgent intervention by UNHCR Commissioner Mr. Filippo Grandi and response to grievances.
- Immediate abolishment of the forced integration policy.
- Increased food supplies to meet basic nutritional needs.
- Employment of trained medical personnel to reduce mortality rates.
- Equal treatment for both refugees and Kenyans in workplaces.
- Installation of new water infrastructure.
- Access to free education for all refugee children.
- UNHCR to regain control over refugee services in collaboration with the Kenyan government.
“We will continue to voice our grievances to the international community until our circumstances are acknowledged and acted upon, ” concluded Josephine, galvanizing hope amidst despair.
The petition comes as a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by refugees in countries around the world, reaffirming the need for urgent intervention and sustainable solutions.
By Majur Chol Khor,
Multimedia Award~Winning Journalist |Author|Project Writer|PR Specialist| from South Sudan
majurcholkhor@gmail.com
