Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald).
Civil Society Group Raises Concerns Over IDP Registration and Return Plans in Western Tigray
Tsilal–Civil Society of Western Tigray has issued a formal letter to the Tigray Interim Regional Administration and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), urging caution over the ongoing registration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the proposed plans for their return.
While acknowledging international and regional efforts to facilitate the return of displaced communities, the organization stressed that such processes must adhere to the principles of being safe, voluntary, dignified, and sustainable.
According to Tsilal, the current registration process has raised concerns due to a lack of transparency, inadequate consultation with displaced persons, and the involvement of local actors and foreign NGOs without sufficient oversight. The group warned that return processes that fail to meet international standards could expose displaced families to renewed insecurity and rights violations.
In its statement, Tsilal outlined a set of prerequisites it considers essential before any return process is advanced:
Inclusive Transparency and Consultation: Plans should be communicated clearly and developed with meaningful participation from displaced communities.
Restitution of Property Rights: Homes, farms, and lands in Western Tigray, currently occupied by others, must be vacated and restored to rightful owners.
Security Sector Reform: Existing administrative and security structures should be replaced with neutral institutions to guarantee safety and impartiality.
Comprehensive Return: All displaced groups, including those in central Tigray and Sudanese refugee camps, should be considered to ensure equity.
Neutral Governance and Protection Mechanisms: New arrangements must be established with federal and regional authorities to uphold law and order.
The civil society group has also requested written clarification from both the Tigray Interim Regional Administration and UNOCHA regarding the scope, objectives, and safeguards of the registration and return process.
“Our aim is to ensure that any return process reflects international standards, prevents further harm, and fosters durable peace and reintegration,” the statement concluded.
