Women continue dharna

Kathmandu, July 14: About three dozens Bhutanese women have joined dharna in front of the UN office in Lalipur, Nepal from July 14 to strengthen their physical participation in the movement to call internatioal attention. 

The women group led by Garima Adhikari, coordinator of Bhutanese Refugee Women Forum (BRWF) joined dharna extending support and solidarity. 

Talking to Bhutan News Service Adhikari said they were compelled to join the sit-in protest in Kathmandu as politial activities are formally banned in camps. She said, this was the only way they can raise their political demands. She also claimed that once repatriation takes place, all other issues would be solved.

She strongly opposed other options besides repatriation. “Refugees are not made clear about other options. UNHCR has been advocating for third country settlement since 1996 but it has failed to inform refugees about its pros and cons” she added.  Adhikari also said that women are the most vulnerable people in camps.

Exile Bhutanese women are seen active in various programs launched for repatriation since few years. Most of the females participants in dharna include young girls. Bhutan News Service/Vidhyapati