“Social distancing is a luxury” does it say on the Norwegian Refugee Councils website. While citizens in Germany and other countries start protesting against the new, yet temporary laws of their governments, others wish to have the possibility to follow the guidelines. Overcrowded camps and little to no access to sanitary infrastructure are common challenges in refugee camps around the world. However, these conditions become especially dangerous during the corona crisis. The Kenyan Dadaab Refugee Complex, in which Safo Hadija Ahmed, legal expert, and Human Rights activist, is working, is no exception. Overall, the Kenyan government is handling the crisis well. Experts like Professor Anzala from the University of Nairobi warned very early, in February 2020, to be on high alert over the virus. Kenya´s cabinet secretary for health, Mutahi Kagwe, has since cautioned to prepare for the worst. Currently, the government combats the spread of the virus by imposing a night-time curfew, suspending international air traffic, imposing strict quarantine conditions on people who have previously entered Kenya and requiring its citizens to work from home, if possible. As we speak, there have been 197 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with eight deaths. How is the situation in one of the largest refugee camps in the country? What challenges do people face? Safo Hadija Ahmed gives her insights on the situation in Kenya during the lockdown as well as in the Dadaab Refugee Complex.
"I support refugees to claim their rights"
L.I.S.A.: Ms Ahmed, you have received your Post-diploma in law and almost started working for a top law firm in Nairobi – instead, you joined the humanitarian aid organization NRC here in Kenya. That is an interesting choice. Please tell us a bit about your background and your work here in Dadaab Refugee Complex.
Ahmed: I have a Post graduate diploma from the Kenya School of law and Bachelor’s degree in Law. I completed my pupillage (a 6 month attachment to a law firm, approved institutions or organizations) at the State Law Office and afterwards continued working there at the Business Registration Services. I started working with the Norwegian Refugee Council in 2017 at the ICLA (Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance) department. Through ICLA activities, I support refugees and surrounding host communities to claim their rights through dissemination of Information, provision of Legal Counselling and Assistance, capacity building of duty bearers, support for collaborative dispute resolution structures and advocacy on 3 main thematic areas; Legal and Civil Documentation, Housing, Land and Property Rights and Employment Laws and Procedure.