ReliefWeb

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Security concerns and security incidents over the last week

Over the holiday period Kenya remained stable. However UNHCR's overall security posture was heightened due to a consist tread of security threat warnings emanating from Somalia suggesting the potential targeting of the UN and or UNHCR in Kenya. This lead to a tightening of security procedures within compound security and increased coordination between management and security in preparation for any possible critical incidents. Activities and staff levels in all offices remained low over the holidays. The Nairobi urban refugee programme continued unrestricted.

The Dadaab area of operations remained stable, however it was assessed that the most likely focus of any threat warning would be Dadaab, hence armed police were placed on the compound and extra operational security measures were put in place as a precautionary measure. The Kakuma operation continued unrestricted.

Protection and protection related

UNHCR facilitated a review session for the Draft Kenyan Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) handbook on refugee law. The handbook was a part of the activities under the Sub Agreement for 2009 between UNHCR and KMJA. It will serve as a reference for Judicial Officers on refugee matters.

A record number of1631 individuals of 328 cases were submitted for resettlement consideration during the month of December. This has enabled the Kenya operation to meet the country target of 10,900 individuals to be submitted to resettlement countries in 2009. A total of 2,558 cases of 10,907 individuals were submitted in 2009 from Dadaab, Kakuma and Nairobi. 10,267 individuals of 2,350 cases were to the USA.