S. Sudan relief agency deplores clashes in Kenyan refugee camp
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
November 4, 2014 (ADDIS ABABA) – The humanitarian arm of South Sudan’s rebel SPLM in Opposition faction has strongly condemned the outbreak of violence among South Sudanese refugees at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.
In a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Tuesday, the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Agency (SSRRA) said it was “disturbing and alarming” to see South Sudanese refugees killing each other in a place where they have sought protection from the violence in their home country.
Fierce fighting erupted at Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp after a nine-year-old Nuer girl was allegedly raped by a Dinka man.
“The gang rape and sexual violence against [the] nine-year-old girl, which instigated the violence, is a crime against humanity,” said Puoch Riek Deng, a public relations officer of the Ethiopian-based Relief Agency.
“It is [a] deplorable and shameful act that deserved the severe punishment of the perpetrators,” he added.
Citing independent eyewitness reports, the group accused members of the Dinka tribe, as well as Congolese, Burundian and Rwandan nationals of inciting the violence targeting members of the Nuer tribe.
“This incident happened on the very watch of the Kenyan police and the UNHCR (UN refugee agency) staff,” said Deng.
“This is racism and racial discrimination against members of the Nuer community,” he added.
This group has called for an immediate end to the violence, as well as the arbitrary arrest of Nuers by the Kenyan police.
“We call upon the Kenyan police to respect international humanitarian law and provide inclusive protection to South Sudanese refugees without discrimination,” said Deng.
The SSRRA has also urged Kenyan authorities to hold those responsible for instigating the violence to account.
It says that under the 1951 Convention and its protocol of 1967, the Kenyan government has an obligation to protect South Sudanese refugees in its territory.
The Convention calls on all States to take measures to render appropriate protection for asylum seekers, including through the adoption and implementation of national refugee legislation and procedures for the determination of refugee status in line with international standards
It also calls for special attention to be given to vulnerable groups, particularly women, children and the elderly.
SSRRA is also urging the UNCHR to provide international protection to refugees and promote durable solutions among communities at Kakuma Refugee Camp.
Fighting between the two rival communities has claimed dozens of lives on both sides.
(ST)