Security For Refugees

Source: The Rising Nepal
T. P. Mishra
Inability of the authorities to beef up security inside the Bhutanese refugee camps has led to a series of violent activities. In the recent months, disputes have already claimed at least three innocent young lives.

Despite repeated calls to tighten security, the UNHCR as well as the Government of Nepal haven't yet re-established the security posts inside the camps. As a result, the normal life of the people in the camps has been crippled.

Frequent violence
A small dispute between the Forestry officials and refugees at Sanischare camp on February 22 led to an uncontrolled scuffle, and claimed the lives of two youths, including one refugee from Sanischare camp. Despite several attempts to bring the situation to normalcy, life, both in the local areas and in Sanischare camp, got complicated, and there was fear among the refugees for at least a week.

When the locals from Jirkhimti village of Pathri Baazar set on fire refugee huts at Sectors 'J' and 'K' on February 23, no authority was around to control the situation, and at least five huts were turned to ashes. The locals, chanting slogans against the Bhutanese refugees, even blocked the Mahendra highway to stop the fire brigade and ambulances from reaching the camps.

The incident at Beldangi camp on May 27-28 over the so-called 'controversial' interview of Hari Adhikari Bangale, the camp secretary, is yet another illustration of the unmanaged and weak security situation inside the refugee camps. Two youths from Beldangi camp were killed in police firing during the latter's attempt to bring the situation under control. Unproved so far, it is also said that Bhutanese Maoists were involved in manhandling Bangale.

The mostly targeted people in the camps are those favouring the US offer of third country resettlement. Actually, even with the establishment of an Overseas Processing Entity by the International Office of Migration, the authorities concerned are not giving reliable information about resettlement. People in the camps do not trust the information that they receive from pro-resettlement activists or their leaders from within the same community. This is one of the prime reasons behind the frequent disputes in the refugee camps.

Meanwhile, it has to be well considered that an individual's right to expression and, in particular, his or her right to choose any of the options available for settlement should be promoted. As we live in a democratic era, the trend of violating others' rights while raising our concern should be done away with.

Even as the Home Ministry of Nepal gave assurances to provide between 25-30 armed policemen for each of the seven refugee camps by the middle of July, another ugly incident occurred in Beldangi camp on August 12.

A group of youths and women severely beat up Manorath Khanal, camp secretary of Beldangi � II, accusing him of giving approval to Pingala Dhital to attend an overseas international conference. Both of them favour third country resettlement. Not only this, the youths also vandalised the huts of those advocating 'third country resettlement' including those of Dhital and Khanal.

Negligence
The local authorities and the UNHCR usually claim that they are in constant touch to bring normalcy in the situation. It would not be a mistake to say that the UNHCR remains a mute spectator to such incidents. Otherwise, why can't the UNHCR take the necessary measures to create a peaceful and safe environment for these refugees when the Home Ministry of Nepal has said that it would deploy the security forces? It should not be forgotten that the more the refugees involve in violence, the more complicated the issue becomes. In such a scenario, the Druk oligarchy will only benefit.

If the authorities concerned continue to fail to beef up the security situation inside the Bhutanese refugee camps, then more tensions are likely to brew in the days to come. Therefore, the UNCHR and the Government of Nepal should immediately take measures to bring the tense situation to normalcy.
It is equally necessary to probe into the facts behind such-natured violence and drag the criminals, whosoever it is, to the court of justice. Refugee's right to stay under safe and secured environment must be promoted by all individuals including the authorities concerned. Even innocent people in camps are victimised from such violence. Refugee, who so ever and of any opinion, should demonstrate their civil responsibility and establish an atmosphere of mutual respect for each other's views and opinions.

On the other side, it has to be well considered that until the UNCHR itself takes initiatives to inform people in camps regarding the offer of third country resettlement then it would lead to further violence as refugees are in no account to listen to any information from the pro-resettlement activists in camps. Those activists should pressurise and lobby authorities concerned to inform people in camps rather then attempting to advocate on their own. Should the tensed situation continue as in recent days then process for both resettlement and repatriation will get derailed leading the lives of refugees' to further ailment.

(Mishra is president of Third World Media Network Bhutan Chapter)

Bhutanese refugees flee camps in droves

Source: eKantipur.com
BY CHETAN ADHIKARI

DAMAK, Aug 27 - Owing to lack of security due to frequent riots inside the refugee camps here in Beldangi of Jhapa, incidents of Bhutanese refugees leaving the camps have increased recently.

The refugees started fleeing since May when riots initially began inside the camps. Further, the exodus has intensified significantly since the past two weeks after three of the camp secretaries in Beldangi refugee camps were beaten up by refugee youths who are against accepting the option of third country resettlement.

Among the escapees are Beldangi camp sector III secretary Manorath Khanal, his family and neighbor Homnath Baral's family, the then acting camp secretary of sector II Pingala Dhital and his family. The three families were displaced after an angry mob demolished their huts inside the camp and beat up Khanal.

Although there is no specific data available about the those who have left camp, local refugees said that almost 100 petrified refugees from all the three camps in Beldangi of Jhapa have fled the camps so far. The refugees staying back in the camps are terrified as well.

According to a refugee Tek Bahadur Mainali, many of the refugees are taking shelter in other camps or nearby villages outside the camps.

Refugees have been living under insecurity following strong differences between those supporting third-country resettlement and others opposing it. Furthermore, rebellious parties, including Bhutan Communist Party (Marxist-Leninist-Maoist) and Bhutan Tigers' Front have intensified their activities inside the camps in the recent past, adding to the fear among the refugees.

BMSC expresses concern over the arrest

Source: Apfanews.com

Media coverage on issues concerning day-to-day developments of the Bhutanese Refugee stalemate since inception has been significant from national, regional and international media point of view.

There had been reports on arrest of refugees following camp scuffle over illegitimate allegation of youths possessing arms and ammunitions in the camps with out substantiating such irresponsible statements from camp secretaries who are mandated to work for the camp welfare. The news that reported alleging youths in the camps of possessing arms aggravated to loss of lives of two youths by police firing following insistence to substantiate the statement. Legal probe of the incidence incomplete and their compensations, as assured by the government, not yet released, bereaved families are suffering in the camp.

As reported in the Kathmandu Post August 24, five youths have been arrested following violence in the camp. It is unfortunate that the boys arrested reportedly belong to pro repatriation group. In this connection, it must be made clear that there has been no opposition to the third country resettlement offer from any corner of the Bhutanese movement for repatriation and democracy. It is allegedly responsibilities of either unscrupulous people filtering into the camps or those people who always stood neutral in the movement creating unhealthy situation by dividing the people as groups working for third country resettlements and those leading repatriation movement.

Through this release, we would like to make our position crystal clear to the media that no pro-repatriation organizations have ever opposed the third country resettlement offer. In fact, responsible group of people in the leadership who aspire for resolving refugee stalemate by early repatriation have appreciated noble proposals from different donor nations and the United Sates in particular as an alternative to repatriation after such a long period of life in the camps. We have repeatedly stressed that the refugee families or individuals have every right to choose their destiny. We had only urged for clarity with regard to their future.

We must not forget or ignore refugee relatives living inside Bhutan including those languishing in the prison. It will be an injustice for the refugee relatives to decide for their destiny beyond repatriation without knowing the fate of their relatives languishing in the prison and those living discriminated life inside Bhutan.

It is not out of place at this juncture to mention that no country has approached us supporting repatriation agenda, but only a few have offered for 3rd country resettlement. This agenda too have only helped to create confusion in the camps due to absence of clarity in all aspects of the prospects of the agenda.

It is unfortunate that pro repatriation group has been continuously attacked using different means that extended to circulation of fake and forged letters to defame and assassinate characters of responsible leaders often campaigning against their qualities and their personal profiles.

We urge Nepal government to speed up investigation of the refugee unrest that took lives of two youths of Beldangi camp in May 2007 and expedite release of compensations as the bereaved families have not yet been compensated.

We appeal media concerns and urge them to review the camp situation and help us advocate for the government to conclude their probe at the earliest.

Tek Nath Rizal
Chairman
Bhutanese Movement Steering Committee
August 25, 2007

UNHCR Concerned About Security Scene in Refugee Camps

Source: The Himalayan Times
Ishwar Khanal
Kathmandu, August 26

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the US have expressed concern over the security situation in the Bhutanese refugee camps, which has affected their preparations for resettlement process of the refugees.
UNHCR has been administering the refugee camps and the US is a member of the core group to announce absorbing 60,000 Bhutanese refugees.
The UN agency is ready to start identifying and referring cases to third countries for resettlement, but the process has not started because the UNHCR has said it wants continued political, logistic support and security measures from the Nepal government to initiate it.
The UNHCR feels the need for the government to announce its policy on third country resettlement of the Bhutanese refugees in the camps.
UNHCR Representative in Nepal, in an email response to queries forwarded by this daily, Abraham Abraham said that they are "deeply concerned" over increasing incidents of violence, threats and intimidation in the refugee camps.
Similar views came from a US official working on Bhutanese refugee affairs. "Security is the main problem to begin resettlement process," the official told this daily insisting anonymity.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) as the Overseas Processing Entity (OPE) is yet to establish its office in Damak of Jhapa. It will start operating as soon the agreement is signed with Nepal soon.
Prior to beginning the process, the UNHCR would organise a mass information campaign to update all stakeholders about the process and inform the refugees about resettlement and all three durable solutions to enable them to make an informed choice about dealing with their future, Abraham said.
He also stated that the UN agency is confident that Nepal government has prioritised the refugee issue and is working to find out a permanent solution of the protracted problem.
The UN refugee agency, however, feels that the government has started stepping up security to prevent the outbreak of more incidents.
"We fully recognise and respect the many difficult political and security issues the government has to deal with, but we are confident that the refugee issue is high on the agenda of the government, and this is vital in finding permanent solutions for the refugees," he concluded.

Pradhan becomes new camp secy

Source: Apfanews.com

Beldangi, August 25: Deo Raj Pradhan is appointed as new camp secretary of Beldangi-II on last Wednesday. Pradhan heads Camp Management Committee (CMC) until its next election. Pradhan served in the same post for two years before Hari Adhikari Bangaley.

Dil Bahadur Khadka has been appointed as deputy camp secretary.

The shuffle in camp management committee was done as both camp secretary and deputy secretary resigned after the recent Beldangi incident.

This is the second time that CMC was reshuffled after Bangaley incident in last May.

Police arrest yet another one, student

Source: Apfanews.com
Beldangi, August 25: Nepal police has arrested Sunder Acharya of Beldangi – II extension on charge of his involvement in the recent Beldangi incident. Acharya is a student of Class eight studying in local boarding school in Damak.

Police arrested Acharya from his hut. Those who had sustained injuries during the incident are still undergoing medical treatment while the vandalized hut of Pingala Dhital, Manorath Khanal and Hom Nath Baral is left as it is.

Sector head of Sector 'D' of Beldangi – II said the mob looted Rs. 15000 during the incident. Khadka said that his purse was thrown near his hut on August 12.

Police arrest four in connection with Beldangi incident

Source: Apfanews.com
Beldangi, August 23: Nepal police arrested at least four exiled youths including former camp secretary of Beldangi-II extension, Subash Acharya this week alleging their active involvement in the recent Beldangi incident where an uncontrolled mob bet up camp secretaries of Beldangi-II and Beldangi-II extension.

Dilli Ram Ghorsai of sector F, Harka Singh Gurung and Shree Man Poudel of sector D of Beldangi-II are among others. Gurung is the sector head of sector D under camp management committee and Ghorsai is the vice-chairman of Bhutanese Refugee Repatriation Programming Council (BRRPC).

Acharya is one of the camp representatives of ‘probe committee’ formed to investigate the May incident of Beldangi-II camp. In that incident, Nepal police shot dead two youths of Beldangi-II and extension while bringing the situation under control.

It is reported that the detainees are kept at police station, Damak.

Ethnic Nepalis And Bhutan's Citizenship Acts

Source: The Rising Nepal
By Kazi Gautam

THE ethnic Nepalis residing in Bhutan have been facing different problems off and on. There is no peace and security, and the ethnic Nepalis have to succumb to different forms of torture. The government introduces policies and acts, brings them into force and amends them after a period of time. But all these acts are measures to exclude the Sarchhops (Nepali speaking people) from participating in governmental activities.

The Druk government has always swindled the international community by appearing benevolent. Backed by the greatest democracy in the world, the Druk dictators have very easily succeeded in establishing "a clean relationship" with the outside world. This has always benefited the Bhutanese government. Although it has been preparing for the first general election to be held in 2008, and also towards establishing democracy, this move of the Bhutanese king plausibly needs to be read between the lines, as thousands of Nepalis within and outside the country have been excluded from obtaining citizenship.

Citizenship Acts
Among the different acts introduced by the government, the Citizenship Acts deserve special mention as they were intended to hit a hard blow to the ethnic Nepalis. The latter first migrated to Bhutan in the 19th century. Most of them became eligible for Bhutanese citizenship under the 1958 Nationality Law. Furthermore, from the mid-1950s, ethnic Nepalis began to establish them in different fields.

The 1977 Citizenship Act increased the residency requirements for citizenship by 10 years: from five to 15 years for government servants and from 10 to 20 years for all other foreigners. The growing concerns about the threats posed by ethnic Nepalis to Bhutan's cultural identity were reflected in an additional requirement for applicants for Bhutanese citizenship to have "some knowledge" of the Dzongkha language and Bhutan's history. As the Nepalis had little or no knowledge of Dzongkha, this requirement was difficult to meet for them. The 1977 Act also very easily excluded the Nepalis to avail the opportunities to obtain the citizenship. It did not grant citizenship to anyone who had carried out activities against Tsawa Tsum (king, country and people). Following the country's first National Census from 1979 to 1981, citizenship was granted only to those identified as citizens according to the 1977 Act.

The Citizenship Act that followed the 1977 Act further tightened the requirements for citizenship. Under this new 1985 Act, a child automatically qualifies for citizenship if both parents are Bhutanese. This Act further complicated the process of obtaining citizenship through the naturalisation process. However, if one had resided in Bhutan on or before December 31, 1958 and had one's name registered in the Ministry of Home Affairs Census Register, he would be provided citizenship.

There are certain points to be noted about the new census of 1988. This census was conducted only to add to the retroactive implementation of the 1985 Act. The census was conducted only in southern Bhutan. It excluded ethnic Nepalis from becoming naturalised citizens, as provided under the 1985 Act. Instead, the authorities restricted Bhutanese citizenship to ethnic Nepalis who had records, such as tax receipts, to prove they were residents in Bhutan in 1958 - 30 years before the census.

The Bhutanese officials refused to accept residency records from 1957 or earlier, or from the years 1957 and 1959 to establish citizenship. They disregarded the citizenship identity cards issued after the previous census: the authorities classified people who could not prove residence in 1958 as non-nationals, "returned migrants", or other illegal immigrant categories, even if they possessed a citizenship card.

Along with the different Citizenship Acts, the king implemented various policies that were intended to exclude and, thus, expel the ethnic Nepalis. Eventually there was a mass demonstration in September and October 1990. Almost all participants were termed "anti-nationals", and thousands of them were detained.

In the light of the above-mentioned points, one can figure out how fruitfully the government can carry out the developmental activities in the country. Majority of the Nepalis residing inside Bhutan do not possess citizenship. They shall never be allowed to exercise their political rights. The political parties that have been recently registered to participate in the country's election are, in fact, under the beck and call of the king. The refugee political parties have not been recognised till date.

Repatriation
It is also noteworthy that the politically-conscious people have been languishing in the refugee camps. The Druk regime always plays fast and loose if it is a question of repatriating the exiled people. Its erstwhile commitment to repatriate at least those refugees who fall under category one (genuine Bhutanese) is too far to come into effect. Instead, it has termed the peaceful and innocent refugees to be "highly politicised and terrorists".

According to the agreements reached by the governments of Bhutan and Nepal, refugees in category two (genuine Bhutanese who are deemed to have left Bhutan voluntarily) would be allowed to return to Bhutan, but would have to reapply for Bhutanese citizenship. However, the provisions of the 1985 Bhutan Citizen Act would exclude most, if not all, people in this category.

(Gautam is Chief Editor, The Bhutan Reporter)

India to work with Nepal on Bhutan refugees: Indian PM

Source: Kantipuronline.com
BY GOPAL KHANAL

NEW DELHI, Aug 22 - Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has stated that India would be working jointly with the Nepal government and all other parties concerned to resolve the Bhutanese refugee issue.

Replying to a letter from parliamentarian Prof. Ram Gopal Yadav, who demanded the Indian government lead tripartite initiatives for returning Bhutanese refugees to their homeland, PM Singh stated that his government would be "jointly working with all the concerned sides, especially with the Nepal government."

On behalf of the Solidarity Group for Bhutanese Refugees, Yadav wrote to PM Singh two months ago to lead tripartite initiatives.

"The Indian government will work together with all the concerned parties, especially with the Nepal government, so as to improve the refugees' situation and to find such a solution that would be as per the respect and welfare of the refugees," the reply letter written two weeks ago said.

This is first time that the Indian PM has indicated in writing that the Indian government was serious about the matter. The Indian government started its homework on the issue after it was consistently pressured from national as well as international fronts to return to Bhutan over 100,000 Bhutanese refugees languishing in eastern Nepal.

Though PM Girija Prasad Koirala and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sahana Pradhan talked to Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee during the 14th SAARC summit, the Nepali side failed to convince Mukherjee. During the talks, the Indian side replied that they would "think over the refugee issue."

National Front for Democracy Bhutan and the Solidarity Group for Bhutanese Refugees led by Parliamentarian Dr Sunilam have been consistently urging political parties, ministers and parliamentarians in India to support their campaign.

Replying to the letter written by parliamentarian Yadav on June 16, Indian PM Singh stated that the Indian government was seeking a solution that would be acceptable to both sides-- Nepal and Bhutan. Singh replied to the letter on August 3.

"However, such a solution agreeable to the both countries is yet to be found," said PM Singh's letter, which was written in Hindi, adding, "Still, we have been working together with both sides and working hard."

The letter describes the refugees as "refugees staying at camps in Nepal who want to return to Bhutan" instead of terming them "Bhutanese refugees".

"You know, discussions have been taking place between India's neighboring countries Nepal and Bhutan over recent days," Singh said, adding, "We had been trying to solve the issues through talks between the two countries so that their bilateral relations would remain unharmed."

A meeting participated by Dr Sunilam and Anil Chaudhary, Chairman of the Indian National Social Action Forum, among others, decided that a five-member team led by senior social activists would visit Nepal on September 4.

Members of the team include renowned social activist Medha Patkar, senior social leader Surendra Mohan, senior journalist Kuldip Nayar, Dewaprat Biswas of Forward Block and Dr Sunilam.

The team will visit PM Koirala, Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradhan and the chiefs of the major political parties and ask them to initiate a dialogue.

Basnet passed away at 59

Source: Apfanews.com
Kathmandu, August 18: President of Bhutan National Democratic Party (BNDP) R. B. Basnet passed away at the age of 59 at 2:45 this morning while undergoing treatment at Bir Hospital, Kathmandu in critical situation.

Basnet had been facing the problem at urinary system since a few years. The stomach had also been swollen.

On Friday, the doctors at the hospital had said it was difficult to get complete cure of the problem. Basnet had earlier gone initial check up at one of the Jhapa-based hospitals.

He was admitted to hospital on August 8, Wednesday.

The Nepalese government had turned deaf to repeated request to provide financial support for his treatment.

Leaving his job as the managing director of the state trading corporation, Basnet had established BNDP to fight for democracy, human rights and suppression on the southern Bhutanese in the country.

In 1992, the Bhutanese authority had held several rounds of talks with Nepalese ministers trying to extradite him like Tek Nath Rizal, who was then extradited by authoritarian Nepalese government. However, the newly formed democratic government of Nepal denied his extradition saying lack of extradition treaty between the two countries. His extradition was discussed several times during the 70th and 71st session of the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, Association of Press Freedom Activists (APFA) Bhutan and Third World Media Network-Bhutan Chapter have expressed deep condolences over Basnet's death. "Refugees in exile have lost one of their historic leaders" quoted the joint press release issued this morning.

Basnet is survived by his wife and three daughters.

Bhutan Refugees Wary of US Resettlement Offer

Source: Ipsnews.net
By Damakant Jayshi

KATHMANDU, Aug 14 (IPS) - After languishing for 17 years in temporary camps, some 108,000 ethnic Nepalis, expelled from their homeland in Bhutan, have a real chance to get out of the wilderness.

But while the promised land, the United States -- as well as several first world countries that form a ‘core group’ -- will accommodate the ‘Lhotsampa’ refugees, many of them continue to harbour hopes of repatriation to Bhutan.

"If the Nepal government, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the core group countries merely say, 'get up and board the plane' it will not work," Yadu Prasad Subedi, 27, told IPS. "A detailed dissemination of information is needed to allay the fears of refugees who want to opt for resettlement in third countries but are apprehensive about details,’’ the refugee said.

Although the prospect of resettlement in the U.S. is attractive, suspicion is rife in the camps that this is a ploy to break the determination of the refugees to return to Bhutan. The community stands divided between resettlement in third countries and repatriation to Bhutan -- even though this could mean facing the persecution from which they fled in the early 1990s.

While some are concerned that resettlement in the U.S. will quickly dissipate the movement to compel Bhutan to take the refugees back, others believe that the campaign could be continued and even intensified while based in a first world country.

Just how contentious the issue is became apparent late May when a mob of those advocating repatriation to Bhutan attacked supporters of resettlement in third countries. Two persons were shot to death when Nepali police opened fire to quell the violence.

Subedi says he is tired of ‘’waiting for so many years’’. ‘’I want to take the plane sooner rather than later."

At the beginning of this year, the U.S., Canada, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand -- known as the 'core group' -- announced that they were ready to resettle the refugees. The U.S. alone has offered to take on 60,000 and has set no cap. According to UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) other interested countries are Ireland, Argentina, Brazil and Chile.

But instead of celebrating the refugees in the UNHCR-run camps have, since the resettlement offers were announced, been living in a state of tension with pro- and anti-resettlement refugee groups trading charges and counter-charges.

Many of the younger refugees are impatient. Those in their 20s are eager to avail of the chances offered in the first world countries. Data provided by UNHCR shows that of the 108,000 odd refugees 63,000 are in the 18-59 category.

"I am willing to go to the U.S., my first choice, or to any of the core group countries to study and work," says a 28-year old chemistry graduate who requested anonymity because he is teaching in an institute in the Nepalese capital. Refugees cannot legally work in Nepal.

He and others who have managed to get higher education outside the camp schools -- where education is limited to the secondary level -- are frustrated when they see their chances of making it in the developed world delayed.

Pingala Dhital, 34, who established an organisation called Voice for Change a couple of years ago to press for a durable solution to refugee crisis, says many refugees are tired of seeing no progress in talks between Nepal and Bhutan to settle the issue. "Except for a few older ones who might prefer Bhutan, many would be willing to go just anywhere as long as it means leading a life outside the camps," Dhital told IPS in her rented apartment in the Nepalese capital.

The refugees started arriving in eastern Nepal via India (Nepal and Bhutan do not share a border) in the early 1990s, alleging forced eviction by the Bhutanese government, under an 'ethnic cleansing' drive -- a charge that the 'Dragon Kingdom' denies.

Fifteen rounds of talks between the foreign ministers of Nepal and Bhutan, aimed at securing the refugees' safe repatriation and dating back to 1993, have yielded little progress.

Most Bhutanese refugees say their first choice is to go back home, and their leaders speak of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other international treaties that oblige Thimphu to take them back. But not one refugee has been able to return in all these years.

This year the Nepal government, following a request from the UNHCR and donor countries, decided to open up to resettlement on humanitarian grounds. There are indications that India, where some 20,000 already live, may follow suit.

The chief of the UNHCR here, Abraham Abraham, says the organisation is ready to begin resettlement but wants the government to bolster security in the camps first.

‘’What we need is a chance to make a free choice between resettlement and staying on to continue the movement to pressure Bhutan into granting us our rights,’’ said one refugee asking not to be named. ‘’Right now we live in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.’’

UNHCR condemns violence in refugee camp

Source: Nepalnews.com
The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed its “deep concern” over the violence that ensued in Beldangi refugee camp in Jhapa district on Sunday which resulted in five refugees being injured and requested the refugees to express their “grievances in a peaceful manner.”

Issuing a press statement Monday, the UN refugee agency strongly urged the refugees to “refrain from violence and use of force”.

“UNHCR also urges refugees to demonstrate their civil responsibility and establish an environment of law and order and mutual respect for each other's views and opinions in a democratic manner. The refugee agency asks refugees to uphold the right of every individual to make informed choices and take decisions regarding his or her own future,” the statement said.

Bhutanese refugee youths had on Sunday thrashed Monarath Khanal, camp secretary of Beldangi II extension camp, accusing him of supporting a refugee from Beldangi II camp to get permission from the local authority to attend a seminar in Thailand later this month. In the scuffle, five more refugees were injured, mostly Camp Management Committee members and some huts were destroyed as police had to be called in to calm the situation and provide security in the camp.

UNHCR said in the statement that it is saddened by this incident and also expressed its sympathy for those injured and whose huts had been destroyed.

The UN refugee agency further said that it is pleased that the government has initiated measures to provide better security in the camps, “which is vital to curb the increasing incidents of violence and threats in the camps that lead to innocent refugees being hurt or even losing lives.”

TD processing greets tension, huts of resettlement advocator vandalized

Source: Apfanews.com
Kathmandu, August 12: Manorath Khanal, who sustained serious injuries on head and chest, is now undergoing treatment at the BP Koirala Memorial Hospital, Dharan.

The camp secretary of Beldangi – II, Parbati Biswa is also referred to Dharan since she didn’t regained her consciousness at Damak based AMDA Hospital. The youths also beat Tara Nath Phuyel, Deputy Camp Secretary of the same camp. According to the BNS correspondent in Damak, some back ribs of Phuyel have been broken. He is now undergoing treatment at the AMDA hospital.

Parbati Biswa informed the BNS over telephone that since deputy camp secretary of Beladngi – II approved Pingala Dhital’s application, which is supposed to obtain Travel Document (TD) to overseas, youths from the same camp opposed it claiming she was ineligible to attend a seminar in Thailand.

Biswa further said that during her absence the deputy camp secretary of the same camp approved Dhital’s application without understanding that she was flying to overseas to attend an international conference on Women and Gender issue. According to our Damak correspondent, the deputy camp secretary also admitted that he approved it without undergoing into the content of the application.

Biswa also informed that Manorath Khanal, camp secretary of Beldangi – II extension accompanied her while visiting the deputy secretary for the approval.

According to Biswa, a group of students from Pancha-Oti English School, Beldangi – II asked her about the clarification of approving Dhital for obtaining the TD when she reached the school for a regular meeting on Thursday.

Biswa also said the youths, who had gathered in front of the camp committee office in Beldangi – II on Sunday, demanding for the withdrawal of the decision to allowing Dhital for obtaining the TD, physically attacked her including Khanal, Phuyel and sector head of Sector ‘I’.

BNS correspondent in Dharan said the condition of Khanal is serious and he hasn’t yet recovered the consciousness. He quoted the Doctors at the Hospital as having said that Khanal has loosed his teeth.

Khanal is central working committee member of Bhutanese Refugee Durable Solution Coordinating Committee (BRDSCC) while Dhital is chief of women desk.

Meanwhile, the youths completely vandalized the huts of Dhital and Khanal while the hut of Hom Nath Baral of Beldangi – II under Sector I/1- 74, associated with the BRDSCC, is also vandalized. Relatives of Baral informed the BNS over telephone that the youths also manhandled their aged parents when they tried defying their attempt to damage the hut.

Bhutanese refugee camp sees violence yet again

Source: Nepalnews.com
Bhutanese refugee youths in Beldangi refugee camp have manhandled another camp secretary Sunday.

According to apfanews.com, a group of Bhutanese youths beat up camp secretary of Beldangi II extension camp, Monarath Khanal accusing him of supporting a refugee from Beldangi II camp to get permission from the local authority to attend a seminar in Thailand later this month.

Injured Khanal has been taken to nearby hospital by the Armed Security Force for treatment. Police have been deployed in the camp for security.

After the incident, local market has been shut. Refugees in the camp fear another bad incident. Some months ago, ’leftist’ refugee youths had beaten up one Hari Bangale for advocating country resettlement of refugees.

The incident occurred just before the US asked government for security to open its Out Processing Entity (OPE) office in Damak to start the resettlement process of the refugees. Nepal Government has given nod to deploy at least around 200 police. nepalnews.com ia Aug 12 07

Resettlement has already begun - Abraham Abraham

APFANEWS.COM

UNHCR and Nepal government carried out census exercise ahead of beginning the resettlement process. Photo: Bhutan News Service

Abraham ABRAHAM, the country representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Nepal has repeatedly talked of opening the doors for third country settlement of the exiled Bhutanese as prospects for repatriation has almost closed. Having worked in a number of countries for nearly three decades to repatriate and resettle refugees, Abraham currently he is active in finding out solution for exiled Bhutanese who were evicted some 17 years ago and taking asylum in Nepal since then. He talked to Ichha Poudyel and Vidhyapati Mishra of Bhutan News Service (BNS) resettlement and other on the contemporary issues. Excerpts:

Is it right that UNCHR stresses on resettlement over other options?
All the time voluntary repatriation has been considered as the best solution. We like that to happen. But when it doesn’t happen, we look for other alternatives as well. Resettlement door is actually open and that of repatriation is almost closed.

Majority of exiled Bhutanese and the Nepal government emphasis repatriation, but you say doors of repatriation have closed. Isn't it against their sentiment?
By bilateral talks no single refugee has been able to go back. They (refugees) have waited enough, for seventeen years. They cannot wait another seventeen years for the same.

Some exiled Bhutanese and their leaders accuse UNHCR of mobilizing a few to advocate for resettlement.
As far as we are concerned, we do not support any one whether it is Hari Bangaley or any body else (to advocate on resettlement). Refugees have right to choose options independently.

Presently camps are in quagmire. One cannot talk about resettlement due to fear of intimidation by the pro-repatriation faction. In such a situation, how can the process go ahead?
When we talk of security of a refugee, primary responsibility lies in the hands of government housing them. UNHCR will try its best within its mandate to help them. It is sad that refugees can not talk about resettlement in camps. It is certainly not a democratic practice. Every refugee has right to know what is going on about resettlement or any other options.

How UNHCR is working to clarify people about resettlement?
We work with the government of Nepal to inform refugees about resettlement. Outright, we haven’t worked out for any solution. We look for the comprehensive solution of the problem, not just one solution. We have to look into option which is practical one. Repatriation does not seem anywhere near. We still have to wait for talks. Local integration is not an issue as it has not come into table. Can we do resettlement? Yes, because many countries have offered it.

Is UNHCR helping those who claim to have displaced due to insecurity after Beldangi incidence?
It is sad that people are displaced from camp. It is something that should be addressed by the government of Nepal and UNHCR will work accordingly.

Can you tell us when will resettlement actually begin?
Actually, resettlement has already begun when Nepalese government agreed it as an alternative solution. But we have not started the practical ground work. This requires a lot of preparations. For example, even for US program, there is lot to be done to take refugees and make them adapt to a new place.

Which other countries have offered to resettle exiled Bhutanese and in what number?
Not all members of core group are accepting refugees. It (core group) tries to find out ways they can help refugees. Well, US has offered some 60,000 but it is ready to accept all who are interested. Canada has offered 5,000 and others will announce the number of refugees they can accommodate according to their policy. When it comes to resettlement, it is not a number issue because whoever wants to be resettled, will be resettled.

There has been scuffle in the camp regarding resettlement. Hasn’t it conveyed negative message to countries willing to resettle them?
You are making an offer and you do not have to break it. Also all 106,000 may not go. Those countries spending 18 million US dollars annually are requesting refugees to come and stay in their countries on humanitarian ground. Children in camps should get education. Most importantly resettlement does not preclude their right to return to Bhutan. It is always there.

Some exiled Bhutanese, especially elderly who may not accept resettlement and repatriation may not take place. Will camps be continued in that situation?
Certainly. Till we get funding from international community camps will continue for which I am very positive.

There is fast cut in aid provided. Doesn’t it look like a strategy to force them opt for resettlement?
This is wrong. Let me emphasize that no one will be forced to make any decision. I have not taken any steps to cut aid. In fact, this year the UNHCR’s budget for them has been increased by US$ 1 million in health and nutrition sectors. So, why talk of cutting aid when it has not yet happened?

Nepalese media reported some exiled Bhutanese obtained Nepalese citizenship. What measures would you apply to check them during resettlement? Will they be eligible for resettlement?
We are not the ones to make resettlement decision. If any one in camps has obtained Nepalese citizenship, he is not a refugee. So, he will not qualify for resettlement. Countries resettling them (refugees) have their own criteria to strictly check them out.

How have you evaluated Long March?
Unfortunately, one refugee got killed and it is not acceptable to the UNHCR .Here, we like to make it clear that while you have right to return, all must be careful in not jeopardizing the life of refugees - especially of women and children.

Health of exiled Bhutanese is deteriorating and many cases of denial of referral are reported. What's the reason?
First, I do not agree that there is denial of treatment .We have very strong health program in camps. In fact, it is the best sector we have supported. But UNHCR has very important policy that no tertiary referral will take place; if it is a terminal case i.e. if a patient is sure to die in few days or weeks. We have specific guidelines as to whom we can help and to what extent. UNHCR has to support 10 million refugees and over 13 million IDPs around the world. So we may not be able to meet all the expectations of refugees regarding their health and there we have to draw an absolute line and say ‘No more’.