UN asks to apply for third country settlement

Khudunabari, March 08: Representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Nepal Abraham Abraham has asked the exiled Bhutanese to file applications to his office if they wish for third country resettlement.

During his visit to Khudunabari camp on Wednesday, he asked the exiled Bhutanese to determine their future course, as the third country resettlement proposal was a very important and good opportunity. "If you are willing, you can file application; we will act with determination," said Abraham.

He, however, maintain that the exiled Bhutanese have three options to choose from: third country settlement, repatriation or adjustment in Nepal.

He also assured that exiled Bhutanese will have the right to repatriation to their homeland even though they live in any countries at this time.

He also assured that third-county resettlement would not be like migration but would be effected after ascertaining basic physical facilities and other infrastructure under the supervision of the UN.

The statement by the UN officials comes on the same day the US proposal for establishment of OPE in Nepal to begin the third country settlement of over 60,000 exiled Bhutanese to the US. Bhutan News Service