The operation in Dadaab will be informed by a people-centered protection and solutions approach termed as “unpacking Dadaab”. Emphasis will be on finding lasting solutions to the protracted refugee situation in the Dadaab camp and vicinity, in the spirit of the 25 March 2017 Nairobi Declaration on Durable Solutions for Somali Refugees and Reintegration of Returnees in Somalia. Key elements of the approach are facilitating the social and economic integration of Somalis remaining in Garissa county, advocating resettlement for the most vulnerable, seeking departures opportunities from Dadaab (both to third countries and within Kenya) through various complementary pathways and the relocation of non-Somali nationals to Kakuma/Kalobeyei.
This shall be complemented by the Office’s Community-Based Protection and Outreach Strategy, which will be in line with and in support of the GISEDP within Garissa county and neighboring areas. Engagement with partners, and international financial institutions in strengthening the humanitarian-development nexus; thereby facilitating development and sustainability in the county; which is one of the least developed areas of Kenya. The inclusion of refugees in the development plans is a priority for UNHCR in addressing the protracted refugee situation not only through humanitarian interventions, but through development interventions as well. Effective coordination of all actors will be key, including the government at both levels, partners, refugees and host communities to ensure the implementation of the CRRF objectives.
UNHCR will continue to advocate voluntary return of Somali refugees and other nationalities in safety and dignity. However, the interest to return to Somalia will be determined by the political developments, security and socio-economic environment. The continual marginalization of minority groups, lack of basic services like health and education; minimal income generating opportunities; rising living costs in urban and semi-urban areas; and clan wrangles over arable land has negatively affected the high interest in return as witnessed in 2016. These factors coupled with insecurity caused by military insurgents has decreased the appetite for return. In this context UNHCR will carry out a broad range of activities in Dadaab, nationally, across borders to facilitate voluntary return. By 2021, an additional 5,000 refugees will be expected to have returned to Somalia.
Resettlement will be a key protection tool where 500 refugees will be submitted for resettlement in 2021. Moreover, under the complementary pathways such as private sponsorship, labour mobility, educational pathways, family reunification, and humanitarian visas; another 500 refugees will be submitted in 2021. The Resettlement Unit will conduct counselling for 5,000 refugees on resettlement including follow up on cases stuck in the United States Refugee Admissions Program pipeline.
In 2021, due to a possibility of the influx of some 50,000 persons seeking asylum along with the existing undocumented population – this group will most likely not be duly registered, and RSD activities will not resume in Dadaab. Efforts will be made to enhance education, training and skills development for refugees through vocational training, advocacy with county government and professional bodies for practice licenses to enable qualified refugees gain employment and promote tertiary education in Dadaab. UNHCR will continue to strengthen the capacity of the government for the delivery of services, prioritizing civil registration and documentation of refugees and in line with refugee status under the 1951 Refugee Convention obligations. UNHCR will benefit from the renewed Memorandum of Understanding for the Security Partnership Project.