§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many Somalian refugees are believed to be camped in(a) Kenya and (b) Ethiopia. [58100]
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§ Clare ShortThe latest figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees indicate there are(a) 129,800 Somalian refugees in Kenya and (b) 50,906 Somalian refugees in Ethiopia. The Kenya figure does not include approximately 10.000 people who have crossed the border into Kenya at Mandera this month.
§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action the Government are taking to assist the Government of Kenya to deal with Somalian refugees from the town of Bula Hawa. [58101]
§ Clare ShortNone. The Government of Kenya have not asked us for any assistance, and we understand that many of the refugees have already returned to Bula Hawa. Several UN agencies and NGOs are working with the Kenyan authorities and the refugees who have not yet returned, to ensure the latter receive the assistance they need, though we understand that food distribution is proving difficult as a result of the security situation. British officials in Nairobi continue to monitor the situation closely.
§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what representations the Government have made to the Government of Kenya for Somalian refugees from the town of Bula Hawa to be allowed to remain around Mandera until the fighting in their home areas subsides. [58099]
§ Clare ShortNone. UNHCR is discussing with the Government of Kenya how best to look after the interests of the refugees in around Mandera. We understand that some have agreed to go to the established refugee camp in Dadaab rather than stay near to Mandera. British officials in Nairobi are in close touch with UNCHR and other concerned agencies, and are monitoring the situation as it evolves.