KNCHR report proposes harmonisation of refugee identity system

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has launched a new report that highlights challenges and gaps that must be addressed by the government and various stakeholders to ensure the smooth integration of refugees into Kenyan society through host communities.

The report examines the ongoing implementation of Kenya’s Refugee Act of 2021, which seeks to transition refugee camps into integrated settlements.

It outlines key challenges and opportunities in advancing the refugees’ rights and socio-economic integration of refugees and host communities in Kenya.

The report titled: ‘Transforming Refugee Policy in Kenya: From Encampment to Socio-Economic Integration,’ was researched and compiled through the efforts of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and Refugees International and; close collaboration with the University of Nairobi, Centre for Human Rights and Peace.

It was launched at the University of Nairobi on Monday.

The report calls for increased funding to improve infrastructure and services in these refugee-hosting regions, while also recommending that the Department of Refugee Affairs be elevated to a semi-autonomous government agency to ensure better functionality and direct funding from the National Treasury.

The Commissioner for Refugee Affairs John Burugu said concerns over freedom of movement and other refugee rights would be addressed through a new refugee identification system.

“The identification card for refugees, equipped with advanced security features, will link to a database to streamline access to services and improve coordination with government agencies,” Burugu said.

The report also stresses the importance of harmonizing the refugee identity system to ease access to services and reduce fraud.

It recommends that the backlog of unregistered refugees be cleared urgently to ensure dignity and access to necessary protections.

Burugu said the integration of refugees; through the government led Shirika Plan, offers hope for refugees’ self-reliance, but significant work remains to close the gaps identified in the report.

He said the successful implementation of the Refugee Act 2021 would require coordinated efforts from all stakeholders, especially in addressing key issues such as housing, employment and freedom of movement.

The KNCHR Chief Executive Officer Dr. Bernard Mogesa said refugees face significant barriers such as; food insecurity, limited access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities.

“Without addressing these challenges, refugees could struggle to become self-reliant within host communities that are already grappling with poverty; especially in refugees’ host counties such as Turkana and Garissa, where Kakuma and Dadaab refugees’ camps are located,” Mogesa said.