Press Release of Global Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan (GCRPPB)

Enepalese Published on: May 29, 2023

The Hague
29-05-2023

Press Release

On the eve of the official visit to India by the Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr Puspa Kamal Dahal, The Global Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan (GCRPPB) wanted to seek his attention on the long impending issue of Bhutanese refugee repatriation and the problem of long unresolved Bhutanese political prisoners . 

 More than 6500 Bhutanese refugees live in the two camps in eastern Nepal after eviction in the early 1990s. Out of them, 2500 of them have been waiting fruitlessly for their return to Bhutan for several decades. The long issue of Bhutanese political prisoners is still lingering unresolved. More than 50 political activists are still serving life sentences in various prisons in Bhutan since the early 1990s and later. India’s support is crucial if this grave humanitarian issue has to be resolved as Bhutan listens to India’s concerns and suggestions.

Therefore I would like to appeal Nepal Prime Minister Mr Puspa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) to put forward the following points with his Indian counterpart Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his bilateral meeting with him later this week:

Seek Indian support for the early repatriation of those willing Bhutanese refugees living in the refugee camps in Nepal.

Seek Indian support to help release Bhutanese Political Prisoners who have been languishing in various prisons in Bhutan since their arrest between 1990 and 2009 for their political activities. 

The long impending issue of Bhutanese refugees in the camps has created several problems in Nepal. One of the largest corruption scandals rocking Nepal now arose only due to the Bhutanese refugee camps in eastern Nepal. Fifteen times Nepal-Bhutan bilateral talks failed to resolve this issue, and India’s support is necessary for its resolution. 

Therefore, on behalf of GCRPPB, I request that PM Dahal take advantage of this opportunity to raise the above issues and find a permanent resolution. 

Mr Ram Karki
Global Coordinator
Global Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan (GCRPPB)
Fluitschiplaan 279
2496 XX The Hague
Tel 0031686173745