This archive report was first published on 22 June 2020.
On June 22, 2020, a coalition of international, national, and refugee-led organizations in the Horn, East, and Central Africa region urged governments to reopen borders for asylum seekers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kenya, a country that has historically been a safe haven for people fleeing violence, conflict, and persecution, is facing a major dilemma. The government's decision to close borders has raised concerns about the impact on refugees and asylum seekers.
Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International's Director for East and Southern Africa, emphasized the need for governments to find solutions that respect international human rights and refugee law commitments. 'Governments should consider measures such as medical screening or testing, preventative and time-bound quarantine facilities at border crossing points to allow access to asylum seekers,' he said.
The closure of borders contravenes international refugee law by denying people in need of international protection an effective opportunity to seek asylum. It also violates the principle of non-refoulment, which prohibits states from turning away people at a border and returning them to a country where they would be at risk of persecution or danger.
The organizations are now urging the country to develop procedures and policies that will allow movement across borders for individuals wanting to seek asylum.
