Kenya forcing refugees back to Somalia: NGO

Kenya is violating international law by forcing residents of the world's largest refugee camp to return to Somalia, an aid agency said yesterday.

Kenya insists the emptying of Dadaab -- home to hundreds of thousands of mostly Somali refugees -- is being carried out in line with international law but the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) said yesterday that "the voluntary returns process does not meet international standards".

This means Kenya could be guilty under international law of the forcible return of refugees or asylum seekers.

"The pressure to push more than 280,000 registered refugees from Dadaab camp has led to chaotic and disorganised returns," said NRC secretary-general Jan Egeland.

"From what we have seen on the ground, it is no longer voluntary, dignified nor safe."

The government announced in May that the vast Dadaab camp in north-east Kenya would be shut down, citing security concerns.

Authorities have repeatedly alleged that the camp is a breeding ground for Islamic terrorism but has not provided evidence to back the claims.