Otsieno Namwawa from HRW Kenya reports increasing abductions of foreign nationals and asylum seekers, particularly South Sudanese activists. This trend raises serious human rights violations concerns as many victims face persecution upon return. HRW seeks accountability and adherence to international laws, urging global bodies to address this pressing issue.
Otsieno Namwawa, Associate Director at Human Rights Watch (HRW) Kenya, reports an alarming rise in the abductions of foreign nationals and asylum seekers in Kenya. These violations affect both refugees and those fleeing political persecution, raising concerns amongst human rights organizations and observers. Notably, there is a disturbing trend related to South Sudanese nationals, often tied to their political activism, who have been forcibly returned to South Sudan and subsequently killed.
Activists indicate that other foreign nationals, including Mongolians and Turkish citizens, have also been victims of abductions. Many of these individuals face severe risks upon their return. Reports from 2021 and 2022 highlighted the forcible abduction of Turkish nationals from Kenya, evoking strong condemnation. A rights advocate remarked on the situation: “This is a violation of the most basic principles of asylum and human rights.”
Despite the seriousness of these incidents, the international response has not been consistently robust, especially compared to the urgent reaction following the high-profile abduction of Kisaba. The ongoing abductions point to a complex issue concerning the legal status of many targeted individuals, who were legally recognized refugees or asylum seekers. International law prohibits returning such individuals to risk of torture or persecution, yet this is occurring in Kenya.
Namwawa highlighted the importance of due legal processes for extraditions from Kenya, stating, “When foreign governments want to extradite individuals from Kenya, the proper legal process must be followed.” The absence of such processes raises concerns about the rule of law in the country.
HRW is actively pursuing investigations into these abductions. Namwawa noted, “We’ve conducted thorough investigations and disclosed details about the abductions,” which have led to a halt in some cases, although uncertainty remains about their permanence. The organization is also engaging with Kenyan authorities to ensure accountability for these actions.
International bodies, including the UN and the African Union, are being urged to compel Kenya to adhere to its legal obligations regarding the protection of asylum seekers. Namwawa cautioned against the global regression in human rights, asserting, “We are seeing a global regression in human rights, and Kenya must not be allowed to contribute to this dangerous trend.”
The increase in abductions of foreign nationals and asylum seekers in Kenya poses critical challenges to human rights, particularly for those fleeing persecution. The situation underscores the importance of adherence to international laws protecting individuals from being returned to countries where they face grave risks. HRW continues to call for accountability and legal processes to be respected while urging international stakeholders to ensure the protection of human rights in Kenya.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
