March 31, 2010: In a response to petition submitted by a resettled Bhutanese, Parangkush Subedi, who is pursuing his Master’s in Public Health from Emory University, former US President Jimmy Carter said he was unable to intervene in the long-standing problem of Bhutanese in exile.
Although, he recognizes the seriousness of the challenges faced by the refugees, Carter is unable to intervene in the Bhutanese refugee situation, the Carter Center, which he chairs, replied Subedi on Tuesday.
The letter in response to Subedi’s petition mentioned that based on his previous experience with this issue and his prior work in the region, Carter’s personal intervention is unlikely to have an impact on problem.
The letter further said that the US government, among others, has already undertaken a larger effort than the Carter Center could provide to bring about a resolution to the situation, and President Obama has made it a priority for his administration.
The petition submitted by Subedi on behalf of resettled Bhutanese in America on January 21 this year highlighted the gross violations of human rights in Bhutan and continued discrimination against the Nepali speaking population.
Commenting to the response he received from the Carter Center Subedi said, “This is how people in America work.”
“They recognized our small effort to alert influential figures here”, Subedi said, “I must thank Mohan Tamang and R. P. Subba for their valuable contributions to compose the petition I submitted.”
The petition made by Sudedi apprised Carter that pioneering organizations struggling for the establishment of democracy and human rights in Bhutan were banned.
Change has not really come to Bhutan despite the proclamation of democracy through general election in 2008.
Further, it reported that the Bhutanese government still feels revolted if anyone tries to genuinely criticize its policies.
Likewise, it highlighted that the notion of freedom of speech and expression, freedom of forming unions, associations and political parties are not a known culture yet.
Congratulations bhai parangkush for this extraordinary work. Keep it up.
Parangkush,
well done.Could you please circulate the copy of the same with me/us as well??
Appreciating your efforts.
Tickling drops will fill up glasses and even more. buddy!!
How can everyone, who call themselves as Bhutanese refugees, be so dumb, including one pursuing master’s degree? Doesn’t he know that carter center is manned with scholars who does intensive research before they even try to talk about issues around the world.
The issues you are talking about are outdated. Carter center had rightly said that issue is being addressed by the US government in a larger scale, and the resolution to the problem is amicable. Look forward to becoming a US citizen in a few year and live happily, and let others live happily in Bhutan.
Keeping the issues alive itself is a big challenge for the Bhutanese diaspora.These little activities in Europe,USA,Australia deserve to be appreciated and encouraged.Keep it up.
This is a lively piece of news. Thanks to the people of ability making committments to continue the struggle for change in once peaceful Bhutan gone wild suddenly after the new policies from 1985 onwards showing the communal face!
Former President Jimmy Carter,founder of Carter Center found no ability in any Bhutanese. His statements has lots of meaning in American English.Congratulation Mr. Parankush on presenting pepers to P.A of President Jimmy Carter. Keep on moving.
Simple suggestion, reader of this news enjoy and feel authentic if apfanews can publish the response letter from President Jimmy Carter to Mr.Subedi’s petition .
Thanks
Congratulations daju you did great work for bhutanese people .”The good we do today becomes the happiness of tomorrow”
Wonderful job! Let us not feel tire until we become successful to reveal the truth to the eyes of world.
We are now in US. We are the real evidence of the past, hence if mass campaigning is needed, we are ready to give our signatures and collect from others(people from the same community) to support your heroic challenge.
Thanks,
Khara