Abraham asks to expedite process to end refugee problem

Kathmandu, June 16: Country representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Nepal Abraham Abraham has urged the Nepal government to expedite the process to end the long standing refugees issue to which he said his office was ready to contribute any kind of support.

Addressing the media persons in the Reporter’s Club on Friday on the occasion of world refugee day, Abraham said the ultimate and comprehensive solution of the crisis to open all possible ways of seeking solution.

He repeated his stance that UNHCR can never engage in repatriation process as it cannot guarantee the safety and security of the refugees when they get back to their country because it has not been given formal presence in Bhutan. “UNHCR should be allowed go along with refugees, settle them, feed them until a season by until they grow first batch of crops, ensure they are well integrated in the society. Since we cannot do this in Bhutan, so have no part in bilateral and repatriation processes,” he added.

He said that he received number of applications from the exiled Bhutanese who wanted to be resettled in third country and in Nepal during his recent two-day tour to the camps in Jhapa and Morang districts.

He also expressed his satisfaction with the assurances he received from deputy prime minister and foreign minister K. P. Oli to expedite the works to find solution of the problem. He urged all concern not to politicize the issue as well.

“In my repeated visits to camps, I find the same people coming with their agendas. And this shows all refugees are not given opportunity to express their views,” he said.

Abraham also reiterated that UNHCR cannot help the refugees, specially the old ones, for treatment of chronic diseases. Bhutan News Service