29 April 2008
Nairobi — Displaced people should not be forced to go back home unless the Government guarantees safe, voluntary and dignified resettlement, the UN High Commission for Refugees has said.
Instead, the authorities should establish the conditions and provide means for the return or resettlement in another part of the country.
Speaking during a workshop to train judges and magistrates on the international protection and refugee law in Naivasha Monday, the UN agency officials said though IDPs did not fall under the refugee law, they were protected by international principles.
Meanwhile, Cabinet minister, Mr William ole Ntimama, wants displaced people camping in Narok District to leave.
Ntimama said the area was not affected by post-election violence and those at the camp were people who were waiting for free money from the Government.
"Those at the camp should go back to their homes because they were not chased away by anybody," he said.
He also said Mau Forest settlers should be evicted and urged the Maasai to resist further forest encroachment.
"The Government should clear Mau Forest from settlers who are responsible for its destruction, and if it fails, the Maasai would be forced to act," said the minister.
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