IOM sends non-Bhutanese under resettlement to US

Source: Apfanews.com

Amidst reports that non Bhutanese are being processed for third country resettlement identifying themselves as Bhutanese, Bhutan News Service (BNS) has identified a case of that kind.

A non Bhutanese has been sent to US after completing resettlement process at the International Organization of Migration (IOM) in the name of Padam Lal Poudel, 52, from Beldangi II, Sector D/2 Hut No 24.

"Other families processing together have already left but we are still waiting for the DHS interview", said son of the victim who went to IOM, Damak office to know the reasons of delay Monday morning.

"The inquiry section of IOM confirmed that someone matching my father's information already got resettled in the US", he told BNS.

"I was just returned from the reception without letting to talk to senior officials" said he adding two persons at the reception in just said, "It is not only yours, there are several such cases''.

According to Poudel's son, his family has already got two special numbers assigned by IOM, and there are five members under his father's group. In April, IOM split his family into three groups for easy processing.

An IOM staff at Damak told BNS that no information through telephone is entertained to any media. She said, "Sorry I cannot help you", and added "Better talk to Kathmandu office".

When BNS contacted IOM office in Kathmandu, they simply directed to contact the US embassy for verification. However, the US Refugee Coordinator was out of reach, when BNS attempted to seek clarification.

On repeated calls to IOM Kathmandu office, one of the officials said "Media matters related to IOM are to be discussed with either United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or the US embassy in Kathmandu".

UNHCR office in Kathmandu also denied providing information on status of the person being resettled as Bhutanese in US, citing reason of protection according to its policy.

New life begins in Australia, no Nepali speaking people in locality

Source: Apfanews.com

The first planeload of exiled Bhutanese who were flown to Australia under third country resettlement program stated they had started with new lives.

At least five families-- two from Beldangi, one from Khudunabari,, one from Sanishere and one from Goldhap reached Australia on May 13.

Bikram Adhikari, one amongst the resettled exiled Bhutanese, over telephone conversation with the BNS said that most of them were busy learning English-language classes. Bikram, a temporary resident of Beldangi-II extension, along with parents and two sisters had reached Australia under third country resettlement program.

Adult Migrant Education Program under Department of Immigration and Citizenship in Australia has been providing the 510-hour English-language classes free of any costs.

“This classes are mainly helpful for getting a better job here in Australia”, said Adhikari, adding that the exiled Bhutanese themselves have to bear the expenses if they wish to continue with the classes even after 510 hours.

Adhikari further informed the BNS that the resettled families are provided with one house each. He added that the government would pay rental charge of the house until one becomes able to stand on his/her own feet.

According to Adhikari, the government also provides them with the amount in cash to mange basic expenses for food stuffs among other necessities. “The amount we get from the government is enough for basic expenses”, added Adhikari.

Adhikari informed that he along with two younger sisters would join the University within a couple of months to pursue higher education.

“It is not sure when we would exactly begin a job but Job Network, an organization under the Australian government, will assist us to find suitable job after the completion of the language classes”, said Adhikari.

Adhikari also informed that most of the resettled Bhutanese were finding tough to pass the time due to absence of Nepali-ethnic people dwelling near the areas where they are resettled.

“At least we are hopeful that soon our relatives from the camps would be resettled near the place we reside”, said Adhikari, adding that the government has assured them of speeding-up the process for re-unions.

Attack on pro-resettlement refugees continues

Source: Nepalnews.com

Despite concerns expressed by the Core Group working on resettlement of the Bhutanese refugees in Nepal, attack on those willing be resettled is increasing.

According to apfanews.com, a news portal run by Bhutanese refugee journalists, an unidentified gang physically assaulted a family of Hari Kafle in Beldangi-I refugee camp, Sector C/2-126 Wednesday night.

The gang attacked the family at around 11 p.m. saying the family has chosen for third country resettlement.

Hari's family was called by the UNHCR on April 2 to proceed with the resettlement to third country.

The website quoted Krishna Maya, wife of Hari, saying that the gang initially inquired the reasons behind showing their interest towards resettlement.

Recently, the resettling countries had expressed serious concern over the increasing violence against those refugees giving interviews at UNHCR and IOM for resettlement and asked the government of Nepal for necessary security in the camps.

Core Group Flays Attacks against Refugees, Humanitarian Workers

Source: The Himalayan Times

The governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and the United States, as members of the Core Working Group on Bhutanese Refugees in Nepal, have expressed deep concern over attacks and escalating threats against Bhutanese refugees seeking third country resettlement and the humanitarian workers who assist them, says a release from US Embassy in Kathmandu.

As the International Organization for Migration, the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and the World Food Programme noted in their May 22 statement, attacks against refugees and humanitarian staff endanger continued provision of aid to refugees in Nepal. Attacks by groups opposed to third-country resettlement reveal their fundamental disregard for the welfare of the people whose cause they claim to promote. We call on the Government of Nepal to bring to justice the perpetrators of these violent attacks, the release said.

" The Core Group notes that many refugees seeking resettlement are not swayed by these threats; refugees continue to seek resettlement consideration. We recognize that resettlement to another country is not the first choice of most refugees, whose strongest desire is to go home. Third country resettlement should not bar refugees from returning to Bhutan in the future. Members of the Core Group continue to urge the Government of Bhutan to accept the repatriation of its citizens. Violence does not facilitate these efforts."

The Core Group commends the courage of humanitarian workers who assist refugees despite threats of violence. We also greatly appreciate the daily efforts of district officials and police to protect refugees and humanitarian workers. We are committed to working with the Government of Nepal, the Royal Government of Bhutan, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees towards a comprehensive and sustainable solution for this refugee population that best meets the individual needs of the refugees."

Bhutanese Refugees Rally for Repatriation

Source: The Himalayan Times

Demanding an early repatriation, Bhutanese refugees staged demonstrations in their camps on Monday. They staged the demonstrations at the call of Street Struggle Committee, a newly-formed body of refugees.Refugees of Beldangi Camps No 2 and 3 urged the Indian government to help in the repatriation.The refugees took out rallies inside the camps after the Armed Police Force prevented them from coming out.Refugees of the camps at Sanischare also staged a protest rally on Monday.Meanwhile, security has been tightened in the camps. Entrance of private vehicles in the refugee camps has been banned.