By Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, Dec 10: A report detailing the plight and challenges faced by Tibetan refugees residing in Nepal was jointly released on Saturday by the Dharamshala-based human rights group, Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) and the Asian Dignity Initiative (ADI) based in Seoul.
The report “Languishing in Limbo: Tibetan Refugees in Nepal” delves extensively into everyday challenges faced by Tibetan refugees residing in Nepal, covering a spectrum of challenges. These encompass concerns regarding their legal status, limited employment prospects, access to education, preservation of their cultural heritage, and socio-economic difficulties. Notably, the report emphasises the obstacles faced by Tibetan refugees in obtaining refugee documentation. It underscores the cessation of the issuance of Refugee Cards (RCs) to Tibetan refugees by Nepal since 1995, with only occasional exceptions in 1995 and 1999, thereby exacerbating the difficulties faced by this community.
The report highlights the increasing economic sway of China within Nepal and its implications for Tibetan refugees. Specifically, how the influence has potentially shaped Nepal’s political choices, bringing them into closer alignment with China’s interests. Moreover, the report draws attention to instances where China has exerted diplomatic pressure on Nepal to limit Tibetan activities and impose stricter regulations on refugees. These actions have significantly impacted the lives of Tibetan refugees, restricting their freedom of expression and undermining their sense of security, the report stated.
“We urge the Nepali authorities to protect the human rights of Tibetan refugees living within its border and grant them refugee identification cards with substantial rights and freedoms to live with dignity and freedom. Although Nepal is not a signatory to the Refugee Conventions, it is party to seven of the nine international human rights conventions. As per the 1990 Nepal Treaty Act, international human rights law has the same validity as domestic law,” said Kinam Kim, executive director of ADI.
“In keeping with its international treaty obligations and for the sake of its national sovereignty, we urge Nepal to review and repeal all policies and agreements that violate the human rights of Tibetan refugees. We are particularly concerned about the increased Chinese-led surveillance and espionage activities targeting Tibetan refugees in Nepal,” said Tenzin Dawa, executive director of TCHRD.
The collaborative report, TCHRD said, is a joint effort to advocate for the rights of Tibetan refugees in Nepal. Through the release of this report, both organisations aim to draw attention to the challenges faced by this vulnerable community and prompt action from relevant stakeholders, including governments and international organisations to address these pressing issues and support the Tibetan refugees in Nepal.
One Response
Freedom For Tibet NOW movement here in the UK demand Nepali authorities to STOP collaborating with Chinese government to suppress peaceful legitimate demands of Tibetan Refugees in Nepal and put an end to removal of anti -China protesters back to China.