KNCHR raises alarm after 40,000 refugees flee to Moyale

• KNCHR said more than 15,000 people were reportedly staying in eight temporary shelters, while over 20,000 others had sought refuge with relatives and friends.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has called for urgent humanitarian assistance for over 40,000 people who have crossed into Moyale after fleeing unrest in Ethiopia, warning that pressure on basic amenities could worsen their living conditions.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, the commission said more than 15,000 people were reportedly staying in eight temporary shelters, while over 20,000 others had sought refuge with relatives and friends.

Among the reported shelter locations are St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Harhosha Secondary School, Manyatta Burji, Sessi and Lanzi Mosque Hospital.

KNCHR said reports that two women had given birth at Manyatta and two others at Bitiye highlighted the urgent need for maternal and newborn healthcare, emergency medical services and postnatal support.

The commission also called on the national government and Marsabit County Government to deploy medical teams and supplies to affected sites, prioritising emergency treatment, reproductive healthcare, safe deliveries, immunisation, nutrition and disease surveillance.

It also urged authorities to provide clean water, sanitation, waste disposal services and adequate shelter to prevent further deterioration of conditions in the affected areas.

KNCHR stressed that people seeking safety in Kenya are entitled to dignity and legal protection regardless of their nationality, ethnicity or immigration status.

"The Government must protect asylum seekers and refugees consistently with applicable international obligations, including non-refoulement," the statement read in part.

Non-refoulement is a principle of international law that prohibits returning people to places where they face specified risks of persecution or serious harm.

The commission also called on the Governments of Kenya and Ethiopia to coordinate efforts to manage cross-border movements safely and address the circumstances driving displacement.

It urged humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Kenya Red Cross, to mobilise emergency supplies and technical support based on assessed needs.

The commission further called for protection measures targeting women and girls at risk of violence or exploitation, unaccompanied children, persons with disabilities, older people and others requiring specialised assistance.

Security agencies were also urged to maintain public safety while ensuring that screening and other border measures remain lawful, proportionate and non-discriminatory.

"KNCHR urges all responsible authorities and partners to act urgently, in coordination and with compassion, so that everyone seeking safety in Moyale is protected by the law and can access essential humanitarian assistance."