February 24, 2024
Staff Report
On the occasion of the 16th World Social Forum (WSF) held in Nepal, the South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR), the regional network of human rights defenders, has urged the Government of Bhutan to release its political prisoners who have been languishing for decades in the country’s prisons.
The call was made by SAHR during a session in the WSF on ‘Bhutan’s Prisoners of Conscience’, which discussed the expulsion of Lhotshampa – those Bhutanese citizens who were of Nepali origin.
The plight of Lhotshampa refugees has been garnering widespread attention, but the existence of political prisoners in Bhutan, some incarcerated for over three decades in Chemgang Jail, remained largely unreported until recently. Additionally, the troubling issue of disappeared Bhutanese citizens shrouded in mystery necessitates further investigation.
Bhutan’s facade of happiness masks the plight of the Lhotshampa refugees, strategically expelled and rendered stateless. This suffering extends to political prisoners, categorized as “non-nationals” or “anti-nationals” despite their expressions of political beliefs or identity, qualifying them as Prisoners of Conscience (POCs) according to international human rights standards.
Democracy in Bhutan a Farce?
Despite transitioning from absolute monarchy to a constitutional democracy in 2008, Bhutan’s democratic façade masks an ongoing struggle for freedom. Several human rights organizations estimate that around 50 to 100 Prisoners of Conscience (POCs) remain imprisoned, with 37 being held indefinitely and without trial in Chamgang Jail. Some of the incarcerated Lhotshampa were arrested in the early 1990s and have been detained for nearly 43 years.
This persistent injustice stems from the state’s crackdown on Lhotshampa activists who dared to demand democracy and to an end to discriminatory policies like Driglam Namza – an official code of etiquette and dressing which imposes upon how people should dress and behave in public.
While Bhutan has made strides towards democracy, concerns remain about the continued detention of political prisoners. This casts a shadow on the country’s Gross National Happiness index and raises questions about the completeness of the democratic transition. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called for the release of these prisoners, but their efforts have not been successful. Ultimately, the decision lies with King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. SAHR states that the king must consider the impact of these detentions on Bhutan’s reputation and the well-being of its citizens, and that he should be held accountable for these acts.
International Attention
SAHR has tried to bring attention to the point that Bhutan’s progression towards as democratic state, where citizens are ‘happy’ and content, means the release of the prisoners of conscience. It called on the international community, especially Nepal and India, to try and persuade Bhutan to take back the refugees who have refused to take the option of third-country settlement. These Lhotshampa refugees languish in the camps of Southeast Nepal, maintaining a principled stand on their ‘right of return’.
Mounting Concerns for Bhutanese Refugees in Nepal
Meanwhile, human rights organizations have expressed deep concern about the plight of the Lhotshampa refugees in Nepal who are now facing increased hardship due to several factors.
Firstly, the withdrawal of support from international organizations like UNHCR and WFP has left these refugees vulnerable and lacking essential resources. This has been compounded by the Nepali government’s decision to disband refugee camps, further restricting their mobility and hindering their ability to lead normal lives.
Secondly, the recent exposure of a fraudulent scheme involving Nepali officials issuing fake refugee certificates has unfortunately cast a shadow on the genuine refugee population. While not responsible for this scam, the refugees now face increased scrutiny and potential delays in resettlement or access to basic services.
In light of these challenges, SAHR has urged the international community to:
Re-engage with Bhutanese refugees in Nepal – including providing sustained humanitarian aid, advocating for their rights, and assisting with resettlement efforts; and urge the Nepali government to ensure refugees have access to basic rights and services, facilitate their freedom of movement, and investigate any potential discrimination against refugees due to the aforementioned scam.
SAHR stressed that these refugees must be allowed to rebuild their lives with dignity.