UK to increase support for voluntary return of Somali refugees  

The UK government has said it is boosting support to help Somali refugees in Kenya return to livelihoods at home.

A new £20 million support will help ensure Somali refugees who want to return home and have the support and livelihoods to ensure their safety and long-term resettlement in Somalia.

In her first address to the UN General Assembly in New York, UK Prime Minister Theresa May acknowledged the challenges facing refugees and host countries while reiterating her government commitment to global humanitarian assistance.

“Across the world today, there are 65 million people who have been forcibly displaced. That it is equivalent to the entire population of the United Kingdom. It is an unprecedented figure, one that has almost doubled in a decade. And yet UN appeals are underfunded; host countries are not getting enough support; and refugees are not getting the aid, education and economic opportunities they need. We must do more. And as the second largest bi-lateral provider of assistance, the UK remains fully committed to playing a leading role.”

More than 12000 Somali refugees have already benefited from UK supported United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR voluntary return to their home country in 2016.

Speaking after the announcement by Teresa May at UNGA, British Charge d’Affaires to Somalia Andrew Allen said his country will ensure the funding will go directlyin helping Somali refugees returning from Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya.

“The UK has long supported Somalia and Kenya as it provides refuge to those fleeing conflict and hunger and this new funding will go directly to helping Somali refugees returning voluntarily from Dadaab, in a way which is safe, dignified, and allows them to build a better future for themselves and their families in line with international law.”

Reported by Hassan Istiila