Dokumentet, der ligger til grund for aftalen om nye danske nærområdeindsatser i Kenya
Memorandum of Understanding
1. Since 1963, Denmark has provided development assistance to Kenya. The Government of Denmark welcomed the changes in Kenya in December 2002 with the democratic elections and the new government under the leadership of President Kibaki. Denmark has responded to the endeavours of Kenya to combat poverty by increasing the country frame from KES 700 million in 2001 to KES 1,5 billion in 2004. Support has been given to new sectors in Kenya, including water and environment sector. Denmark has decided that development assistance can also be given to refugees and refugees hosting communities in Kenya.
2. For many years, Kenya has been hosting several hundred thousands of refugees, primarily from neighbouring countries, Somalia and Sudan. Kenya has willingly given shelter and protection to the refugees. It is a big challenge for Kenya to deal with the huge influx of refugees.
3. A comprehensive Refugee Bill was introduced in the Kenyan Parliament in 2003 and upon approval will provide the legal basis for dealing with refugees in Kenya. The Bill will strengthen the management of refugees affairs, including the establishment of systems and procedures for registration and the determination of the status of refugees.
4. Kenya is playing a leading role in the peace processes in Somalia and Sudan. The commitment of the Government of Kenya to bring peace to both war-torn countries is a crucial step towards establishing durable solutions for refugees from Somalia and Sudan.
5. The Government of Denmark has introduced a special programme for assistance to countries hosting large refugee populations. The programme focuses on refugees as well as refugees hosting communities. Furthermore, the programme includes support to activities that will strengthen efforts to facilitate repatriation of refugees to their countries of origin.
6. The Government of Denmark is prepared to support Kenya with its burden of hosting the large number of refugees. A delegation lead by Mr. Ole Moesby, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Kim Lunding, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Refugees and Integration, Denmark visited Kenya from 6th to 8th October 2004 in order to establish cooperation with respect to refugees affairs between Denmark and Kenya.
7. It has been agreed between the Governments of Denmark and Kenya to establish cooperation with regard to refugees within the following areas:
a. Support to strengthen the capability of the Kenyan Authorities responsible for refugee administration to manage and protect the refugee population in Kenya. This will include capacity building of the Refugee Department in Kenya through training, technical assistance and other assistance needed to implement the Refugee bill, including the introduction of new registration technologies such as biometrics.
b. Support to refugees and refugees hosting communities, in Dadaab and Kakuma. In partnership with the Government of Kenya, UNHCR and international NGOs, the Government of Denmark will address issues such as the upgrading of existing facilities in the refugee camps as well as the needs of the local population hosting the refugees.
c. Support to the repatriation and reintegration of refugees in Somalia and Sudan when this is made possible by the peace processes.
8. The Governments of Denmark and Kenya have agreed that within the above area of cooperation with respect to refugees and refugees hosting communities, a plan of action with a time schedule will be developed in 2004 for carrying out concrete actions.
Nairobi, October 2004
The Government of Kenya The Government of Denmark
