South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Agency
SSRRA-Ethiopia
Press Release: No: 12
Nov2, 2014(Nyamilepedia) — The South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Agency (SSRRA) condemned in the strongest possible term the ongoing clashes between South Sudanese Refugees at Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. This is unfortunate, disturbing and alarming incident to see our people killing themselves in refugee camp where they are seeking protection.
The gang rape and sexual violent against 9 year girl which instigated the violent is a crime against humanity. It is deplorable and shameful act that deserved the severe punishment of the perpetrators. Rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization, or any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity” constitutes a crime against humanity under the Statute of the International Criminal Court.
The government of Kenya under the 1951 Convention and its protocol of 1967 have an obligation to protect south Sudanese refugees on its territory. The 1951 convention call upon all states, consistent with the applicable of international standards to take or continue to take measures to strengthen asylums and render protection more effective including through adoption and implementation of national refugee legislations and procedures for the determination of refugee status and for the treatment of asylum-seekers and refugees, giving special attention to vulnerable groups and individual with special needs including women, children and elderly.
The 1951 convention and its protocol of 1967 reaffirm the fundamental importance of UNHCR as multilateral institution with the mandate to provide international protection to refugees and promote durable solution. The same convention call upon UNHCR to maintain the integrity of the international refugee protection regime, notably through advocacy, as well as public awareness and information activities aimed at combating racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia and other related intolerance, and gaining public support for refugees.
The violent perpetuated by Dinka, Congolese, Burundi and Rwanda community against Nuer community according to the eye witnesses and independent reports claimed more lives on both sides. This incident happened on the very watch of the Kenyan police and the UNHCR staffs. This is racism and racial discrimination against members of the Nuer community. This violent and continued arbitration arrest of the refugees from Nuer community by the Kenyan police must stop and instigators of this violence must be brought to justice. The Kenyan police must respect and observed the international humanitarian law on the protection of refugees.
The SSRRA leadership would like to extend its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in this outrageous and unacceptable violence. The SSRRA leadership conveys its solidarity and sympathy to the families of the deceased.
We call upon the Kenyan police to respect the international humanitarian law and provide inclusive protection to south Sudanese refugees without discrimination.
We call upon the UNCHR to provide international protection to refugees and promote durable solution among communities at Kakuma Refugee Camp.
We call upon all South Sudanese refugees and other refugees from Rwanda, Congo and Burundi living at Kakuma Refugee camp to enhance and foster peace, promote understanding and dialogue, tolerance and friendship among individuals and communities.
Signed:
Puoch Riek Deng
Public Relations Officer
South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Agency-SSRRA
