Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Monday, 26 April 2021, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 May 2021. It was answered by Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Conservative) on Thursday, 29 April 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Kenya: Migrant Camps

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the opposition of the Roman Catholic bishops of Kenya to the closure of the (1) Dadaab, and (2) Kakuma, refugee camps; and what assessment they have made of whether the government of Kenya is entitled to close those camps unilaterally, in particular if there are no proposals for improved voluntary repatriation.

Answer: The UK has long provided support to refugees in Kenya and appreciates the hospitality that the Government of Kenya has for decades shown to refugees and asylum seekers. We are aware of their recent decision to close the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps and are working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other development partners to find solutions that are durable, safe and in line with Kenya's national and international obligations. We acknowledge, as the Roman Catholic Bishops of Kenya have, that full closure of the camps in a short timeframe would pose an significant challenge. We will continue to press for solutions that are designed collaboratively and in line with International Refugee Law.

Secondary information