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Catholic Charity raises alarm over worsening IDP camps in Kenya

The humanitarian situation of the 350,000 or so people displaced by post-election violence is worsening, the Catholic Church warned Thursday, reports CISA News.

The numbers of displaced persons continues to grow, as some people are returning to the camps in anticipation of compensation by the government. But others who had left the camps are returning after finding that their homes and property were ruined, said Bishop Martin Kivuva, chairman of Caritas Kenya.

Conditions are also deteriorating in the camps due to the ongoing heavy rains and decreasing humanitarian aid. News reports said three women died at an IDP camp in Londiani due to ill health resulting form cold weather.

“We urge the government to emphasize continuation of relief to IDPs until they are resettled,” Bishop Kivuva said. The state should also clarify the issue of compensation and resettlement of IDPs in accordance with the recently signed national peace accord, he added.

The government announced earlier this month establishment of a fund to assist in resettlement. On Thursday, government spokesman Dr Alfred Mutua said 32 police stations were being constructed to improve security in places where the IDPs will be resettled.

The bishop also appealed to the state to focus more attention on young people who were reportedly used by powerful people to carry out violence. They need attention in terms of peace building, psychosocial support and provision of gainful employment.

The displacement of people from some of the country’s most productive areas is likely to cause serious food shortages in the coming months. “We believe the government should take immediate action to support farmers with land preparation, seeds and farm inputs, as well as providing them with necessary security to ensure crops are planted, said Bishop Kivuva.

[03/31/2008]

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