For the past 20 years, the civilian population of Somalia has been ravaged by armed conflicts. The drought and violence in 2011 have only aggravated an already precarious situation. Thousands of Somalis have been displaced within their country or fled to neighbouring states.
Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camp was initially set up to host 90,000 people. However, during the first quarter of last year, nearly 200,000 people arrived at the site, which proved ill-equipped to support such a huge influx. Soon, that number grew close to 500,000, filling the camps beyond capacity. The majority of new arrivals suffered due to lack of water, food, and medicare.
This continued up until August last year, when aid agencies were finally able to properly respond to the huge needs. Today, however, there is still concern for the welfare of the 470,000 refugees in Dadaab.
The conflict in Somalia has entered the camps, rendering them unable to provide refuge. As security in the camps deteriorates, refugees have become the victims of increased violence.
Security conditions have got worse since October, resulting in most aid agencies significantly reducing their operations. Refugees have had to fend for themselves, in many cases taking over the services previously provided by humanitarian organisations, despite lacking the necessary experience or training.
The health of refugees is in danger. As the conflict worsens, it becomes absolutely essential that warring parties ensure refugees are protected and that their right to aid in a safe environment is respected.
Camp paradigm
Assisting refugees in Dadaab while simply waiting for the next emergency to happen raises more ethical questions than medical ones. Carefully considered planning for the future of this refugee population is crucial. It seems clear that the paradigm of the camp has to be challenged. A large-scale voluntary return of refugees to Somalia is not a realistic option today.
Since the closure of the registration facilities last October, assisting new arrivals has become extremely difficult, as there is now no structured system for recognising and keeping track of new refugees.
Careful planning for the future of this refugee population is crucial. Alternatives such as more generous quotas for resettlement abroad, and providing refugees with opportunities for self-reliance require further development. In such a complex situation, one size does not fit all.
