More than two million Somalis have been displaced in one of the world’s most protracted humanitarian crises that have now entered its third decade.
Some 800 refugees who decided to return home to Somalia were transported to Dadaab airstrip to be processed for voluntary repatriation before embarking on their return journey. ; In total, as of 31st July 2016, 19,523 Somali refugees had returned home since 8th December 2014, when UNHCR started supporting voluntary return of Somali refugees in Kenya, out of which 13,322 were supported in 2016 alone. Recently there has been a sharp increase in the number of refugees visiting the Return Help Desks and registering their family for repatriation.
MEDIA ADVISORY
20th March 2017, Nairobi – Kenya: A special summit of Heads of State and Government will be convened on Saturday 25th March 2017 in Nairobi, Kenya bringing together member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the international community and other stakeholders to marshal a comprehensive regional approach to deliver durable solutions for Somali refugees, whilst promoting sustainable reintegration of returnees in Somalia.
The summit will be preceded by a special session of the IGAD ministerial committee on durable solutions for Somali refugees on Friday 24th March 2017 bringing together ministers responsible for interior, security and refugee affairs from the Horn of Africa region.
More than two million Somalis have been displaced in one of the world’s most protracted humanitarian crises that have now entered its third decade. An estimated 1.1 million people are internally displaced (IDPs) within Somalia and nearly 900,000 are refugees in the region.
Continuing political and security stabilization progress in Somalia, along with growing pressures in hosting countries, makes this a critical moment to renew efforts to find durable solutions for Somali refugees. The election of the new President of Somalia in February 2017 and Parliament in December 2016 marks a milestone in the country’s post-conflict transformation. This provides the opportunity to accelerate progress on national priorities, including: security sector development; completing the constitutional review process; building State institutions and local government; addressing humanitarian crises shocks and displacement; continuing dialogue with Somaliland; and improving public finance management and revenue collection.
You are most welcome to attend the official opening of both events. Please submit the names of those who will cover the events for accreditation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Jane Kariuki, Chief Information Officer, [email protected]
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For more information, please contact:
Edwin Limo, Director of Communications, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade +254.722.747.476, [email protected]
Brazille Musumba, Communications and Media Advisor, IGAD Secretariat +254.722.617.995, [email protected]
Teresa Ongaro, Spokesperson, UNHCR East & Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region +254.735.337.608, [email protected]
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