Bhutanese refugees in Nepal: A system level analysis

Abstract

Bhutanese refugees in Nepal have become a major challenge to Nepal-Bhutan relations since early 1990s. The problem of Bhutanese refugees was initiated due to the ethnic divide between the Drukpas and the Lhotshampas of Bhutan. It was further intensified by the policies adopted and implemented by the Bhutanese government in the name of ‘national integration’. The process of ‘Bhutanisation’ has aimed to homogenization of the Bhutanese society which forced the Lhotshampas to flee their homeland and seek refuge in Nepal following their ethnic roots. Therefore, this research has explored the rise of ethnic nationalism in Bhutan and also has closely examined its consequences and relations with the Bhutanese refugee problem. The Bhutanese refugee problem no more remains as the bilateral issue of Bhutan and Nepal. It has been internationalized and many levels including IGOs, INGOs and NGOs are working for the refugees. Being an immediate neighbor to both Nepal and Bhutan, India is considered as an important actor for the resolution of the issue. Methodologically, this study is system level analysis and triangulation method has been used to explain the issues. The study tried to explore the bilateral attempts through diplomatic dialogue made by Nepal and Bhutan and briefly described the role of India, regional and multilateral frameworks. Out of the three durable solution for the refugees proposed by the UNHCR, the repatriation was considered as the only solutions to the problem and the attempts were made through the bilateral dialogue. After the series of fifteen failed talks, resettlement was introduced as the solution to the problem. Though a huge population of refugees was resettlement till date, there are more than seven thousand refugees languishing in the refugee camps. Therefore, the study has dealt with the attempts for resolution and portrayed their limitations as well. Keywords: Refugees, Lhotshampa, Nepal, Bhutan