UNHCR welcomes US offer
New Delhi, October 07: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said it welcomes the US offer to resettle some 60,000 exiled Bhutanese in America in the next 3-4 years.
"This extremely welcome and generous offer, plus interest also shown by Canada and Australia in settling these refugees, may help break the deadlock which has existed for many years in finding a positive and lasting solution for these people. We consider that all options should still be kept open for a comprehensive solution to the plight of the refugees, UNHCR spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis said at the press briefing on Saturday at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
"We've known for some time that several resettlement countries were considering accepting refugees from Bhutan, but the US announcement is the first concrete offer," he said
He said the way ahead is still complex. "Firstly, and most importantly, it's up to the refugees to decide if they want to be resettled. Many have held to the idea of returning to Bhutan and may not want to resettle. Their decision will be respected," he said.
He added, "But recently, we've noticed more refugees want to be resettled and start a new life. Young adults and children who were born and grew up in the camps and who know Bhutan only from their parents' stories are like youngsters anywhere – they have dreams and career ambitions and can't achieve them sitting in a refugee camp."
He said, "Vulnerable refugees who find camp conditions particularly tough will also be glad of the opportunity for a less restricted and difficult life in a resettlement country."
We hope the Nepalese government will maximise the opportunity being presented by these interested countries to help resolve this very protracted situation, he further said.
Earlier this week in Geneva, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugee and Migration Affairs Ellen Sauerbrey announced that the US was ready to resettle up to 60,000 exiled Bhutaense who have been living in Nepal for 17 years. Bhutan News Service