The UN Refugee Agency has called upon the Kenyan government to reconsider its decision to close down two major camps hosting South Sudanese and Somali refugees.

The Kenyan Ministry of Interior made the announcement of its intention to close down the Kakuma and Dadaab camps last week, citing economic, security and environmental burdens.

The UNCHR says the closure of the camps would affect as many as 600,000 refugees.

The spokesperson of the agency, Adrian Edwards, says the intention to close the camps is against UNHCR’s international obligations towards people who need protection from danger and persecution.

However, he said the UNHCR will continue to be in touch with the Kenyan government to fully understand the implications of its decision.

Earlier, the South Sudanese embassy in Kenya said it had not received any formal communication from Kenyan authorities on the issue.

Medical charity, MSF, has also raised similar concerns.