Police Detain 16 Refugees After Staging Peaceful Demonstrations Outside UNCHR Offices

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept, 8 – 16 refugees who had staged peaceful protests outside the United Nations High Commission For Refugees (UNCHR)have been detained by police at the Spring Valley station.

At least 35 people in a notice, expressed their intention to conduct peaceful demonstrations outside the aforementioned offices in a letter copied to the Nairobi Police Commander.

The 35 protesters said that they intend to express their displeasure at UNCHR and other affiliate organizations for what they described as outright discrimination and mistreatment.

“These protests come against the backdrop of a petition that we presented to the UNCHR but was not addressed. The issues refugees face are well documented and recognized internationally and all our hopes are usually the mandated body, UNCHR to address and find durable solutions. In our case despite numerous calls for action. UNCHR, has failed to investigate our issues and worse still they perpetuate outright discrimination of refugees,” read s section of the letter addressed to police.

The protesters had sought security and protection from area police ahead of their demonstration but 16 of its members were arrested.

The organizers of the demonstration said that seven of its appointed marshals had been designated to lead the demonstration and ultimately present a petition to the organization.

Attempts to have the 16 released are ongoing.