Bhutanese refugees in Nepal: A system level analysis
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of International Relations and Diplomacy
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
Description
Keywords
Bhutanese Refugee, Nepal-Bhutan relations, Lhotshampa