Kathmandu, May 17:

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) today asked the US, India and other countries to redouble efforts to persuade Bhutan to allow Bhutanese refugees to return to their home country.

In a report, the HRW said the American offer to resettle some 60,000 Bhutanese refugees has given hope to many refugees living in Nepal, but has also “heightened tensions” in the refugee camps.

It has also suggested Nepal to grant citizenship to those who express willingness for local integration.

“Bhutanese refugees who insist on repatriation as the only acceptable solution have been threatening and intimidating those who voice support for the resettlement in the United States,” the report said, asking the government to prosecute intimidators.

Bill Frelick, refugee policy director at the Human Rights Watch, told a press conference today that refugees fundamentally have the right to return to a country that expelled them.

“But all refugees also have the right to make essential choices about their lives without threats and intimidation,” he said.

Frelick said while repatriation would be the best option for most refugees, it can only be

viable if Bhutan upholds its duty to guarantee the returnees’ human rights.

“Until then, repatriation to Bhutan cannot be promoted as a durable solution.”

“Before any solution can be had, Nepal must provide sufficient security in the camps to enable refugees to express their opinions and exchange information freely,” he said, adding,

“To be effective, the US resettlement offer cannot be operated in isolation. The refugees need genuine choices.” According to the report, there are 15,000 to 30,000 Bhutanese refugees in India.

India is not a party to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol and has no national refugee legislation. India is a member of the UNHCR’s executive committee. The UNHCR has not given refugee status to Bhutanese living in India.

Talks to end crisis soon: PM

Kathmandu: Bhutanese refugee leaders met Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala today. “Ministerial-level talks with Bhutan will be held soon to resolve the refugee crisis,” a refugee leader quoted Koirala as saying at the meeting.

The Bhutanese leaders met Koirala to “apprise” him about the march to be jointly organised soon by the Druk National Congress (DNC) party, Bhutan People’s Party (BPP) and the Gurkha National Liberation Front from Kakarvitta in Jhapa to Bhutan to protest the “mock election” conducted in Bhutan recently. “The parties have decided to initiate a movement in Bhutan,” the leader said on condition of anonymity. — HNS