April 27, 2020 (Nyamilepedia) — A 22 year-old South Sudanese man who is registered as a refugee has been killed by the Kenyan police for allegedly violating curfew imposed by authorities to curb the spread of the coronavirus, family members and friends were quoted as saying on Sunday.
The man was beaten to death after he was found on a street at Kakuma refugee camp and the police reportedly left him dead just there.
One youth leader at Kakuma described the incident as unfortunate and tragic and accused the Kenyan police of impunity saying refugees are not protected in the country.
“It’s tragic, he was severely beaten on Saturday and died this evening – this is the situation we have been facing in the camp, they come and kill you with impunity and no one takes measures against them,” the youth leader who refused to be named said.
“The name of the deceased has been withheld due to the sensitive nature of the issue” he added.
On Saturday, the UMHCR reiterated its solidarity and commitment to standing with refugee communities in these difficult situations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic continues, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, notes the increasing challenges faced by refugees, asylum-seekers and other vulnerable populations, and calls for continued solidarity,” said the UNHCR in a Saturday statement.
“UNHCR appreciates the inclusion of refugees, asylum-seekers and stateless persons in the Government of Kenya’s preparedness and response plans. The impact of the slow-down of global and national economies due to the pandemic has affected access to jobs and livelihoods and the ability of the most vulnerable populations, particularly refugees and asylum-seekers, who are already challenged in meeting their basic needs.”
