UNHCR seeking access to detained asylum- seekers and refugees in Nairobi
| Publisher | UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) |
| Publication Date | 7 April 2014 |
| Related Document(s) | Guidelines on the Applicable Criteria and Standards relating to the Detention of Asylum-Seekers and Alternatives to Detention |
| Cite as | UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNHCR seeking access to detained asylum- seekers and refugees in Nairobi, 7 April 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5343a22d4.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
UNHCR in Kenya is concerned at the wave of arrests that have taken place during the week end in Nairobi, following recent terrorist attacks in the capital. The police sweeps were concentrated at Eastleigh neighbourhood where the majority of urban Somali refugees and asylum-seekers live and where some of the attacks occurred.
UNHCR has been informed that those arrested are held at various police stations as well as at the Kasarani Stadium.
In line with its mandate, UNHCR has sought access for itself and its partners to the detained refugees and asylum-seekers. This access will allow UNHCR to properly identify refugees, asylum-seekers and others of concern. It will also allow the agency to provide assistance to the detainees and obtain their release where appropriate.
UNHCR understands the security concerns of the Government of Kenya and the steps taken to protect the people who live in the country including asylum-seekers and refugees. UNHCR appeals to the law enforcement agencies to uphold the rights of all those arrested and to treat them in a humane and non-discriminatory manner.
Of the 550,980 refugees and asylum seeker in Kenya, 50,800 mostly Somali live in Nairobi.
