By Choekyi Lhamo
DHARAMSHALA, July 14: The Nepalese government failed to accept responsibility to protect the rights of Tibetan refugees in the country during the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) last Thursday. Both the International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) and International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) denounced Nepal for its inability to accept key recommendations, including calls for registration and verification of all Tibetan refugees, followed by the issuance of identity documents.
The government only “noted” during the 47th session of UNHRC the recommendations made from UN member states regarding refugees on Jan 21 as part of the country’s 3rd UPR cycle. Many Tibetans have been reported struggling due to lack of documentation, including lack of access to proper education, opportunities or other medical or government services.
FIDH Secretary General Adilur Rahman Khan said that although Nepal should be praised for hosting thousands of Tibetan refugees for decades but it needs to do more, “Sheltering refugees must also mean giving them full protection in accordance with relevant international human rights principles and treaties. The Nepali government must take urgent steps to grant legal status to Tibetans and ensure their fundamental rights are respected and protected.”
The government also refused other recommendations that led to no positive response, as it called on Kathmandu to fight against discrimination of ethnic minorities including Tibetans. It was also asked to respect the principle of non-refoulement (not returning refugees to a country where they are subject to persecution) but it claimed that the administration already abided by this fundamental principle.
Kai Muller from ICT’s UN team said more needs to be done to ensure security for Tibetans, “The responses given by the Nepali government during the UPR are insufficient to guarantee the fundamental human rights and the legal status that Tibetans living in the country deserve. The government must commit to further measures to protect Tibetans as well as refugees transiting from Tibet to India.” The Nepalese government has shown harsh treatment to Tibetans involved in political activism, as many have been subjected to arrests and harassment along with continued bans on public gatherings.
