By Ongaga Ongaga
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has called for an urgent humanitarian response following an influx of approximately 40,000 people fleeing unrest in Ethiopia into Moyale.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, the commission said more than 15,000 people were accommodated in eight temporary shelters, while over 20,000 others were staying with relatives and friends in the border town.
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Among the reported shelter locations are St Mary’s Catholic Church, Harhosha Secondary School, Manyatta Burji, Sessi and Lanzi Mosque Hospital.
The commission warned that the influx was placing considerable pressure on host communities and available resources, particularly food, clean water, shelter, sanitation and healthcare.
“Human rights protection does not cease at national borders,” KNCHR said, stressing that everyone within Kenya’s jurisdiction is entitled to dignity and protection under the law, regardless of nationality, ethnicity or immigration status.
Rain and growing health concerns
The commission said the situation was reportedly calm on both sides of the border as of Tuesday morning, but persistent rainfall in the Moyale area had heightened concerns about exposure, poor sanitation and possible outbreaks of communicable diseases.
The humanitarian needs were particularly urgent for expectant mothers and newborns, following reports that two women had given birth at Manyatta and another two at Bitiye.
KNCHR called for the deployment of medical teams and supplies to affected locations, with particular attention to emergency treatment, maternal and reproductive healthcare, safe delivery and postnatal support.
It also urged the Ministry of Health and Marsabit County Government to strengthen disease surveillance, provide immunisation and nutritional support, and ensure access to clean water, sanitation and waste disposal services.
The commission reminded the government of its constitutional obligations, citing Articles 21, 28 and 43, which provide for the protection of human dignity and access to essential services, including healthcare, adequate food, clean water, housing and sanitation.
Article 43(2) specifically prohibits the denial of emergency medical treatment.
Call for humane refugee reception
On refugee protection, KNCHR called for humane reception, registration and screening of those fleeing Ethiopia, warning that border management must comply with Kenya’s domestic and international legal obligations, including the principle of non-refoulement.
The principle prohibits returning people to places where they face specified risks of persecution or serious harm.
The commission cited the Refugees Act, 2021, particularly Section 29, which addresses protection against return to circumstances involving threats to life, physical integrity or liberty.
It urged the national government and the Department of Refugee Services to coordinate the reception and documentation of those seeking safety while ensuring that border controls remained lawful, proportionate and non-discriminatory.
KNCHR also called on disaster management agencies to conduct rapid needs assessments and coordinate the provision of food, weather-appropriate shelter and other essential services, including for refugees staying with host families.
Humanitarian organisations, including UNHCR, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Kenya Red Cross, were urged to mobilise emergency resources and technical support.
The commission further called for protection mechanisms for women and girls at risk of violence or exploitation, unaccompanied children, older persons and people living with disabilities.
It urged security agencies to maintain public safety without compromising the rights of displaced people.
“Security screening must complement, not replace, humanitarian assistance,” it said.
Host communities also need support
The commission appealed to local leaders, faith-based organisations and civil society groups to support the affected population, share verified information and guard against stigma, exploitation and discrimination.
However, it emphasised that humanitarian interventions should also address the needs of host communities, which are facing additional pressure on already limited resources.
KNCHR said it would continue monitoring the human rights situation in Moyale, assess living conditions and access to essential services, and engage relevant authorities on accountability for any violations.
“The protection of life and human dignity cannot be postponed,” the commission said, urging government agencies and humanitarian partners to respond urgently and compassionately.
It added that the reported calm along the border offered an opportunity to address immediate humanitarian needs before the situation deteriorated.
