Sudanese refugees in Kenya urged to accept repatriation

Feb 27, 2007 (NAIROBI) — The tripartite commission on voluntary repatriation of Sudanese refugees living in Kenya is urging refugees to accept voluntary repatriation to South Sudan to enable them rebuild their country. Immigration Permanent Secretary Emmanuel Kisombe in a joint communiqué reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to implement the comprehensive peace agreement. Kisombe led a delegation of the commission’s first meeting in Nairobi. The commission noted the problems facing voluntary from Kenya, including insecurity and clear messages on prospects for return and reintegration and limited absorption capacity. The commission recommends extension of financial assistance to the returnees, provision of security and food. They also propose expediting of formalities when crossing border. Mohamed Ahmed Alaghbash, who led the Sudanese delegation, applauded the government of Kenya for providing refuge to more than 70,000 Sudanese for more than 15 years. UNHCR Representative Chrysantus Ache reaffirmed the commitment of the commission to help the people of Sudan as they regain hope for the future. The two-day meeting convened by the Kenyan government, the government of Sudan and UNHCR has been reviewing the progress made and some of the challenges faced since the peace deal between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement and the government of Sudan which was signed on 9 January 2005. (ST) Attached to the joint communiqué of the first meeting of the tripartite commission on voluntary repatriation of Sudanese refugees living in Kenya 26-27 February 2007 Commission on voluntary repatriation of Sudanese refugees in Kenya

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