Otsieno Namwawa from Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlights alarming abductions of foreign nationals and asylum seekers in Kenya, particularly South Sudanese activists. The article discusses the illegal return of these individuals to perilous situations, emphasizing the lack of due process and the need for accountability. HRW calls for international intervention to safeguard human rights in light of these violations.
Otsieno Namwawa, the Associate Director at Human Rights Watch (HRW) Kenya, has raised serious concerns regarding the increasing abductions of foreign nationals and asylum seekers in Kenya. Reports indicate that these incidents have alarmed both human rights groups and international observers as victims often include individuals fleeing political persecution.
A notable trend involves the abduction of South Sudanese nationals, mainly linked to their political activism. These individuals are reportedly taken from Kenya and forcibly returned to South Sudan, where they are at risk of execution. An activist remarked on the crude methods employed in these abductions, highlighting their prevalence as a grave issue that cannot be overlooked.
Reports indicate that Mongolian and Turkish citizens have also suffered similar fates, with Turkish nationals experiencing forced abductions from Kenya in both 2021 and 2022. A rights advocate criticized these acts, stating that they represent blatant violations of asylum and human rights principles.
While some high-profile incidents have drawn international attention, the ongoing nature of these abductions presents a more complex challenge. A significant number of those targeted are legally recognized refugees or asylum seekers, and under international law, returning them to countries where they face persecution is strictly prohibited.
Namwawa emphasized that the extradition of individuals from Kenya requires adherence to proper legal processes, which has not been the case, leading to fears regarding the rule of law. He underscored the importance of due process to avert further human rights violations. HRW has been investigating these abductions and revealed information about those orchestrating these operations, contributing to a temporary halt in some abductions, albeit with uncertainty about their permanence.
HRW has engaged with Kenyan authorities to demand accountability for these actions. Namwawa affirmed the illegal nature of such abductions and reiterated the need for accountability. Despite threats to human rights defenders, he and his colleagues are committed to continuing their efforts amid this crisis. Respect for asylum seekers’ rights is increasingly critical, and international human rights entities are being urged to ensure that Kenya adheres to its legal obligations. Namwawa cautioned against a global regression in human rights, insisting that Kenya must refrain from exacerbating this pressing issue.
The article outlines severe concerns over the abductions of asylum seekers and foreign nationals in Kenya, particularly South Sudanese activists facing dangerous returns. Human Rights Watch stresses the need for legal compliance in extradition processes and highlights the organization’s commitment to investigating these violations. There is a pressing need for international bodies to intervene to uphold human rights standards in Kenya amidst these alarming trends.
Original Source: www.channelafrica.co.za
