Human Rights Watch Reports Alarming Rise in Abductions of Asylum Seekers in Kenya
Otsieno Namwawa of HRW Kenya highlights increasing abductions of foreign nationals in Kenya, particularly South Sudanese individuals, raising alarms over human rights violations. Despite some temporary halts to these incidents following investigations, concerns regarding legality and accountability persist, as many victims are legally recognized refugees. Calls for international intervention to protect asylum seekers’ rights are urgent amidst a troubling global regression in human rights.
Otsieno Namwawa, the Associate Director at Human Rights Watch (HRW) Kenya, has raised concerns regarding the escalating number of abductions of foreign nationals and asylum seekers in Kenya. These incidents, which involve refugees and individuals escaping political persecution, have drawn the attention of human rights organizations and global commentators. Particularly alarming is the abduction of South Sudanese nationals linked to political activism, with reports indicating that victims have been forcibly returned to South Sudan and subsequently killed.
Activists indicate that other foreign nationals, notably Mongolians and Turkish citizens, have also been victims of abductions and returned to countries where they face severe dangers. In the years 2021 and 2022, Turkish nationals experienced forced deportations from Kenya, which garnered significant outcry. A rights advocate remarked on the severity of these actions, stating that they constitute a fundamental violation of asylum and human rights principles.
Despite such worrying developments, the global response has occasionally lacked urgency, particularly in comparison to the outrage over the high-profile abduction of Kisaba. The complexity of ongoing abductions indicates that many targeted individuals possess legal refugee status or are seeking asylum. Under international law, it is prohibited to return individuals to nations where they are at risk of torture, persecution, or death, yet this persists in Kenya.
Namwawa elaborated on the seriousness of the situation, asserting that lawful extradition processes involving the courts must be observed when foreign governments seek to detain individuals from Kenya. He expressed concerns over the observed lack of due process, which has undermined the rule of law. HRW is proactively investigating these abductions and has uncovered damaging details about the perpetrators involved.
Following their revelations, there has been a temporary halt to some abductions; however, the permanence of this change remains uncertain. HRW has formally engaged Kenyan authorities to hold those responsible accountable, and Namwawa emphasized the need for recognition of the illegality of these actions. Despite the associated risks, he assured that HRW will persist in its efforts, noting that safety remains a concern as long as abductions occur.
International human rights organizations, including the United Nations and the African Union, are urged to ensure Kenya complies with its legal obligations to protect the rights of asylum seekers. Namwawa cautioned, expressing concern over the global regression in human rights, asserting that Kenya should not be allowed to exacerbate this troubling trend.
In summary, the abduction of foreign nationals and asylum seekers in Kenya represents a critical human rights issue. Legal violations in the extradition processes and the targeting of recognized refugees threaten fundamental human rights. Immediate action from both Kenyan authorities and international bodies is necessary to prevent further violations and hold accountable those responsible for these abductions.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
