UNHCR Did Not Say Tigray Refugees Returned To Fight in Ethiopia

While the UNHCR did release a statement, it did not confirm nor indicate that refugees were returning to fight in Ethiopia. The UNHCR continuously verifies refugees in its camps to update its database. The statement only mentions that there has been a “modest decrease in the number of Ethiopian refugees in the refugee camps” in recent months. Yet, they were unable to “verify the whereabouts of those who have left, including those who may have returned to their country of origin.” This is in no way a confirmation of refugees being active combatants. The statement adds that any refugee who returns to participate in armed conflict is no longer considered a refugee.

Furthermore, while UN officials confirmed that they were aware of allegations that Ethiopian refugees were now participating in the fighting, they were "not in a position to verify" them. Also, numerous measures were put into place at border entry points and disarmed and separated any armed individuals seeking refuge from civilian groups. Yet, it was not the agency's role to determine whether those returning home had participated in any fighting. Officials ended by refuting allegations that any military training had occurred at the refugee camps, calling it unfounded.

The claim comes at the backdrop of reports by Ethiopian officials that some TPLF fighters who had allegedly recently crossed from Sudan to Ethiopia were carrying refugee ID cards issued by the UNHCR. Based on the findings and the track record of the UNHCR, the Misbar team confirms that the claim is fake. The UNHCR did not say that refugees are returning to fight, nor do they perpetuate the violence.