Kenyan closure of dadaab refugee camp blocked by high court

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Yes, you're correct. On September 28, 2022, the High Court of Kenya blocked the government's plan to close the Dadaab refugee camp, which is home to over 200,000 refugees, mostly from Somalia.

The court ruled that the closure of the camp would be unconstitutional and would violate the rights of the refugees, many of whom have been living in the camp for decades. The court also ordered the government to provide alternative solutions for the refugees, such as relocation or integration into Kenyan society.

The Kenyan government had announced plans to close the camp in 2016, citing security concerns and the need to focus on developing the country's own infrastructure. However, the plan was met with widespread opposition from human rights groups, the United Nations, and other international organizations, who argued that the closure would put the lives of thousands of vulnerable people at risk.

The Dadaab refugee camp was established in 1991 to provide shelter to Somali refugees fleeing conflict and persecution. Over the years, it has become one of the largest refugee camps in the world, with a population of over 300,000 people at its peak. While the camp has faced numerous challenges, including overcrowding, poverty, and limited access to basic services, it remains a vital humanitarian hub for many refugees who have been displaced by conflict and violence.

The High Court's decision is a significant victory for the refugees and human rights advocates, who have been fighting to protect the rights of the displaced people. However, the government has vowed to appeal the decision, and the fate of the camp remains uncertain.