Tibetan refugee and impact on internal secrity of Nepal

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between Tibetan refugees and impact on internal security of Nepal, shedding light on the intersection of humanitarian concerns, security and geopolitical dynamics. Despite not being a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol, Nepal hosts approximately 13,645 Tibetan refugees, whose presence is marked by legal uncertainty due to the lack of formal refugee policies. The study's objectives are threefold: to assess the current status of Tibetan refugees in Nepal, to identify the internal security impact arising from their presence and to explore the measures to strengthen internal security. Employing a qualitative research design, the study gathered primary data through interviews with Tibetan refugees, Local inhabitants, key informant interviews with government officials and focus group discussions involving District Security Committees. Likewise, secondary data from UNHCR reports, government publications and academic literatures provided a broader context for the findings. The study reveals that, due to the absence of legal recognition, many Tibetan refugees face restrictions in accessing education, employment and financial services, leading to frustration and marginalization among the refugee population. This legal void has also created vulnerabilities that have, in some cases, resulted in criminal activities, such as document forgery, gold smuggling and the acquisition of fake citizenship, posing challenges to internal security of Nepal. Likewise, protests and demonstrations organized by Tibetan refugees, particularly during high-profile Chinese diplomatic visits have heightened law enforcement concerns and security alertness due to the Tibetan refugee activities. In response to these security impact, the study suggests the need for a formulation of clear legal framework, robust intelligence mechanism, strengthened border security, application of new technological advancement and improved coordination between security agencies and humanitarian organizations. Similarly, it calls for enhanced efforts to integrate Tibetan refugees by expanding their access to education, employment and legal documentation to mitigate the risk of social unrest. Keywords: Tibetan refugee, status, threats, challenges, Security