Recently, this camp was highlighted on BBC World News. The pictures were horrific.
Dadaab camp in Eastern Kenya alone currently houses more than a quarter of a million refugees. Virtually, all are Somalis. Even though the official Kenyan-Somali border is closed, more than 60, 000 Somalis crossed into Kenya last year and the influx has continued apace into 2009. The refugees are fleeing vicious fighting between the government and Islamic insurgents, severe food shortages and recurrent drought that has decimated livestock.
Dadaab’s camps were built for an initial population of 90, 000 but they now house almost three times that number.
Amid shortages of food, water, health supplies, and clean latrines, aid workers say that the refugees are increasingly vulnerable to outbreaks of disease. Cases of cholera surfaced in the camp earlier this year but the disease was contained.
The UN has estimated that it will need around US$91 million this year to improve conditions for existing refugees in Dadaab and provide aid to new arrivals. It’s a daunting task ahead and one that won’t get any easier until an agreed solution to Dadaab’s dreadful congestion is found.
We know that similiar scandalous situations exist not only in refugee camps but in many other places throughout the world. Fellow valued members of the human family (especially women and children) are experiencing abject poverty, injustice and inhumane treatment.
May ALL of us be compelled by the LOVE of God the Father of Jesus Christ to PRAY REGULARLY AND INTELLIGENTLY, to LIVE SIMPLY and to GIVE SACRIFICIALLY. May SOME of us be compelled to leave the comparative luxuries of Malaysia and GO.
For further information about Christian ministry to the suffering world, contact:
The Micah Mandate is a Christian-based public interest advocacy ministry that seeks a transformation of our nation through justice, mercy and humility.
