Ethnic Nepalis are in threat
Human Rights Watch, a New York based human rights organization recently published a report on the present situation of Nepalis in Bhutan and exiled Bhutanese in camps. The report has presented a real picture of gross violation of human rights in Bhutan of the ethnic Nepalis. It has also implied towards the eviction of the Lhotsampas in the days ahead; and focused on the three comprehensive options to solving the impasse of the exiled Bhutanese. On this context Bhutan News Service (BNS) talked to Bill Frelick, Refugee Policy Officer of Human Rights Watch (HRW) to explore more about the report. Excerpts:
BNS: How did you prepare the report?
Frelick: Our team visited India (West Bengal) and conducted 30 in-depth interviews with exiled Bhutanese who live in India (21men and 9 women), and 18 in- depth interviews with Bhutanese citizens (17 men and 1 women). Of the 18 Bhutanese citizens interviewed, 13 were ethnic Nepalis and the rest were Non-Nepalis.
We also conducted 121 in-depth interviews with the exiled Bhutanese in the camps in Nepal (64 men and 57 women), and three group interviews with children and teenagers in the camps.
BNS: Did not you visit Bhutan?
Frelick: No, we didn’t. Actually we tried to explore the possibilities of doing so but we could not succeed. We had to obtain travel documents from the travel agencies to enter Bhutan. The foreigners like we are not easily provided with the necessary documents needed to enter Bhutan. Moreover, we are the human rights activists. But, had we conducted interviews in Bhutan, one of the three things would have happened. First, the people would not have talked to us with fear of getting punished by the government. Second, incase they talked to us, they would not give the true information. Third, the people interviewed by us would be in problem.
BNS: Did you undergo any problem in India?
Frelick: No, we did not tackle any problem.
BNS: Does your study cover the report on the violation of rights of the people of northern Bhutan as well?
Frelick: This time we based our interview to the people of south only because more ethnic Nepalis reside in the southern belt of Bhutan.
BNS: What has the Human Rights Watch concluded about the future of ethnic Nepalis? Are they secure in Bhutan?
Frelick: Some democratic changes have been going on in Bhutan. These activities are positive. However, I suppose there might be some problem to the ethnic Nepalis in future.
BNS: HRW has been conducting a survey on the Bhutanese case since long time. What has been its outcome on part of the Bhutanese government?
Frelick: To speak candidly, HRW explores the ground reality and makes public its report but it does not wait and watch the effect it has created to any individual.
BNS: What is the real situation of the exiled Bhutanese in the camps at present?
Frelick: There is confusion among the exiled Bhutanese as regards the US resettlement proposal. Some of the exiled Bhutanese are willing to return to Bhutan where as some are mentally prepared to assimilate to the US plan. There is one section in the camp who seems interested in local integration.
BNS: Did you find a faction among the exiled Bhutanese that is said to be created by the US plan of third country resettlement?
Frelick: I don’t think the resettlement scheme has created the faction among them. Every one is unique in his way of analysing the thing. I think it is only due to a lack of complete information as regards the US plan that has created confusion. The most important point to be noted is that all three doors should be open.
BNS: Do you mean that US did mistake by failing to publicise the terms and conditions for those willing to opt for the resettlement?
Frelick: Yes, I do agree that US made mistake to impart enough information to the exiled Bhutanese as regards the proposal. Nevertheless, with a distribution of the Fact Sheet in the camps, it’s been clear to everyone about the US plan.
BNS: Can the exiled Bhutanese make a choice?
Frelick: They can choose which door they want to enter to.
BNS: How secure are the camps?
Frelick: The great problem that the exiled Bhutanese are facing nowadays is a feeling of insecurity. Indeed, there is an urgent need of providing security to them so that that can feel free to study the options at hand. In our meeting with the officials in the Home Ministry of Nepal, I have informed them about the problem that the exiled Bhutanese are facing. They have shown a commitment to provide security by establishing the police camps and making other necessary arrangements.
BNS: What about the domestic and gender violence that the exiled Bhutanese women have been afflicted with?
Frelik: Of course, still there exist these problems in the camps. Though they women have made tremendous progress, they have been constantly terrorized and are subjected to domestic and gender based violence.
BNS: Do you think repatriation is possible at this point of time?
Frelick: Repatriation is possible if resettlement comes into effect. I think that after the resettlement, only some 10 to 15 thousand people would be left in the camps. As the figure becomes less, Bhutan would certainly be ready to take them back. Also some exiled Bhutanese might get integrated locally in Nepal.
BNS: How do you evaluate the leaders’ proclamation of the last movement against the Druk regime to begin shortly?
Frelick: This is a positive move of the leaders. But I would like to remind everyone that the movement must be peaceful.
BNS: Since the inception of this issue, India has been indifferent towards helping the exiled Bhutanese return to their country. What could be the Indian interest behind this?
Frelick: I cannot say any thing as regards India’s interest behind the issue. Before coming to Nepal, we tried to meet the Foreign Ministry officials in New Delhi to discuss this issue. But we could not meet any one.
BNS: Do you think resettlement is comprehensive solution to the impasse?
Frelick: In the last 17 years, numerous futile attempts have been made to repatriate the exiled Bhutanese. They have had enough endurance by this time. So I have analyzed resettlement to be a durable solution for them.
BNS: The Bhutanese political movement began in the early 90s with an objective of establishing democracy in Bhutan. How can the exiled Bhutanese be sure that US resettlement program would not hamper their movement?
Frelick: Let me tell you that the exiled Bhutanese can return to their country after resettlement as well. But they need to try themselves. The journalists like you must gain the support of international community through your write-ups. I am sure that the countries where the exiled Bhutanese will be resettled shall definitely safeguard their right to return to their country.
I would like to give an instance of the Palestinian refugees who were resettled in the US. It is learnt that through US passport, they have been traveling to their country off and on. Some of them have already started business and other activities in their own country.