MN HF3368

Minnesota Legislature urges the President and Congress to safeguard the security of Somali noncombatants in Kenya.

Kenyan police arrested approximately 4,000 Somalis and Kenyans of Somali origin starting April 2, 2014, as part of a security operation, detaining them at Kasarani sports stadium and police stations under deplorable conditions.

Detainees, including pregnant women, children, and elders, were subjected to whipping, beating, verbal abuse, and sexual coercion for release; 17 human rights organizations condemned the operation as discriminatory.

Kenya deported 82 Somali detainees to Somalia without asylum proceedings, violating international law prohibiting forcible return to situations involving persecution or torture.

Minnesota Secretary of State is directed to transmit copies of this memorial to the President, Congress leadership, and Minnesota's federal delegation.