KNCHR raises alarm over conditions facing thousands fleeing Ethiopia

By Caroline Waforo

The growing number of people fleeing unrest in Ethiopia and crossing into Moyale, Marsabit County, is raising concerns over access to healthcare, clean water, sanitation and adequate shelter.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) says more than 40,000 people have crossed into the area in search of safety, placing additional pressure on already essential services.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, the commission reported that more than 15,000 people were accommodated in eight temporary shelters, while over 20,000 others were staying with relatives and friends.

The situation has also highlighted the urgent healthcare needs of vulnerable groups, particularly expectant mothers and newborns.

The commission has urged the national government and the Marsabit County Government to deploy medical personnel and supplies to affected locations. It has called for emergency treatment, reproductive health services, safe delivery care, immunisation, nutritional support and disease monitoring.

Beyond healthcare, KNCHR has warned that inadequate access to clean water, sanitation facilities, waste management and shelter could further expose the displaced population to difficult living conditions.

The commission has called on humanitarian organisations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Kenya Red Cross, to provide emergency assistance and technical support based on identified needs.

It has also urged authorities to strengthen protection for women and girls vulnerable to abuse, unaccompanied children, older persons, people with disabilities and other individuals requiring specialised support.

KNCHR has emphasised that people seeking refuge in Kenya should be treated with dignity and afforded legal protection regardless of their nationality or immigration status.

It has further called for cooperation between the Kenyan and Ethiopian governments to manage cross-border movements safely and address the factors forcing people to flee their homes.

Security agencies have also been urged to maintain law and order while ensuring that border screening procedures comply with the law and do not discriminate against people seeking safety.