Otsieno Namwawa from HRW Kenya reports alarming abductions of foreign nationals and asylum seekers, particularly targeting South Sudanese activists. These actions violate international law prohibiting returns to dangerous countries. HRW is investigating these incidents and urging accountability from Kenyan authorities, while international organizations are called upon to uphold legal obligations regarding asylum rights.
Otsieno Namwawa, Associate Director at Human Rights Watch (HRW) Kenya, has highlighted an alarming rise in the abductions of foreign nationals and asylum seekers throughout the country. These events involve both refugees and those escaping political persecution, eliciting deep concern from human rights organizations and international observers alike.
The trend has notably affected South Sudanese nationals, particularly those engaged in political activism. Many have reportedly been abducted from Kenya and forcibly returned to South Sudan, resulting in dire consequences, including death. An activist remarked, “The method used in these abductions is crude and worrying. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case, and it’s something we’ve seen happen far too often.”
In addition to South Sudanese, other foreign nationals, such as Mongolians and Turkish citizens, have also faced abductions and forcible returns to nations where they encounter severe risks. Activists condemned incidents involving Turkish nationals in 2021 and 2022, asserting, “This is a violation of the most basic principles of asylum and human rights,” which underscores the grave implications of such actions.
Despite the severity of these issues, the international community has not consistently reacted with urgency, aside from a high-profile case earlier. Many victims of these abductions were legally recognized refugees or asylum seekers. International law prohibits returning individuals to places where they could face torture, persecution, or death, a regulation that Kenya has seemingly overlooked.
Namwawa emphasized the necessity of adhering to proper legal procedures for extradition, asserting, “When foreign governments want to extradite individuals from Kenya, the proper legal process must be followed. This includes an extradition procedure initiated through the courts.” The absence of these legal protocols has raised concerns about the rule of law in Kenya.
HRW has conducted investigations into these abductions, revealing the identities of those involved. Namwawa mentioned that their inquiries have resulted in some abductions ceasing temporarily, though the permanence of this change remains uncertain. “We’ve conducted thorough investigations and disclosed details about the abductions,” he remarked.
The organization has also approached Kenyan authorities, demanding accountability. Namwawa stated, “We’ve made it clear that what is happening is illegal and there must be accountability.” He expressed the ongoing risks faced by human rights defenders, noting that he and his colleagues would persist in their efforts despite the dangers involved. “None of us are truly safe while these abductions continue,” he asserted.
International bodies, including the United Nations and the African Union, are urged to ensure that Kenya fulfills its legal responsibilities and protects the rights of those seeking asylum. Namwawa cautioned, “We are seeing a global regression in human rights, and Kenya must not be allowed to contribute to this dangerous trend.”
The rise in abductions of foreign nationals and asylum seekers in Kenya represents a significant breach of human rights and international legal norms. Individuals such as Otsieno Namwawa from Human Rights Watch are actively addressing these violations by calling for accountability and proper legal procedures. The situation demands prompt international attention to prevent Kenya from contributing to a troubling global regression in human rights protection.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
