Bhutan is celebrating its 117th National Day with grandeur and pride. However, the plight of thousands of Bhutanese citizens forcibly displaced in the 1990s remains a somber reminder of unresolved injustices. These displaced Bhutanese continue to endure a difficult life in refugee camps located in the Jhapa and Morang districts of eastern Nepal.
More than three decades have passed, yet the situation of these refugees remains dire. Awaiting permanent resettlement, they struggle to meet basic needs such as education, healthcare, and employment. Neither the Bhutanese government nor international platforms have adequately addressed their concerns or taken significant steps to resolve their issues.
This harsh reality highlights the suffering of Bhutanese refugees and the neglect of their fundamental rights. These refugees continue to raise their voices for their identity and their right to live with dignity.
While Bhutan celebrates national unity and prosperity, it simultaneously overlooks the pain and displacement of its own citizens. The condition of these refugees has become a critical question for both the Bhutanese government and the international community.
Approximately 80% of Bhutanese refugees have been resettled in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe through international resettlement programs. However, the remaining 20% still live in Nepal’s refugee camps, enduring challenging conditions.
Bhutan’s “One Nation, One Identity” policy has disproportionately affected ethnic communities such as Lhotshampa, Tamang, Newar, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung. This policy, marked by ethnic discrimination and suppression, devastated the lives of these communities, leaving them stateless and displaced. Despite decades of advocating for the restoration of their rights, a permanent solution has yet to be reached.
As Bhutan celebrates its National Day, the international community must also acknowledge the suffering of these displaced Bhutanese people. Their future remains uncertain, yet they continue to hold onto hope for justice and recognition.
