A plea for justice to Nepali-speaking Bhutanese

Open Letter to the UN High Commission for Human Rights, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch

Subject: Call for Justice and Compensation for Nepali-Speaking Southern Bhutanese

Dear representatives of the above human rights organizations,

Through this open letter, I, on my own behalf and on behalf of the former Bhutanese diaspora, appeal for your urgent attention to the ongoing injustice faced by the Nepali-speaking Southern Bhutanese people expelled by the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) between 1990 and 1993. For decades, these individuals have endured hardship in foreign lands, while the Bhutanese government has taken no meaningful steps to address the grave human rights violations they suffered. Justice is long overdue.

The Bhutanese government has recently announced a massive project in Gelephu, Sarpang district, called "Mindfulness City," planned to be built on lands unjustly confiscated from Nepali-speaking citizens. This move completely contradicts the principles of justice and fairness. I strongly condemn this action and urgently call on the international community to intervene and address this injustice.

Background of the Crisis:

Between 1990 and 1993, the Bhutanese government forcibly expelled nearly 100,000 Nepali-speaking Southern Bhutanese. Many were coerced into signing "voluntary migration forms" written in a language they could not understand. Their lands were confiscated without compensation and redistributed to non-Nepali-speaking populations, with no records of other seized assets.

For decades, these families endured harsh conditions in refugee camps in Nepal. After nearly 20 years, most were resettled in Western countries through resettlement programs, with many now living in the United States. However, around 7,000 individuals remain in refugee camps in Nepal, over 30 years later, clinging to the hope of one day returning to their homeland.

Recent Developments:

The Bhutanese government’s decision to proceed with the "Mindfulness City" project in Gelephu, on land owned by Nepali-speaking Southern Bhutanese for generations, is a direct violation of their property rights. Many expelled families still hold legal documents proving their ownership. Moving forward with this project without compensation not only deepens the injustice but also blatantly disregards the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Therefore, I urgently draw your attention to the recent actions of the Bhutanese government and respectfully request your immediate action on the following steps:

- Recommend the Bhutanese government investigate past and present violations of property and human rights and publicly express its regret.

- Advocate for appropriate compensation for the land and property of expelled Nepali-speaking Bhutanese.

- Facilitate the creation of a platform for dialogue involving Bhutan, Nepal, and affected communities to collaboratively address and resolve the refugee crisis.

- Apply diplomatic pressure on Bhutan to recognize the rights of displaced persons and take meaningful steps toward justice for expelled Nepali-speaking Bhutanese.

- Call on the Indian government to withhold support for Bhutan’s "Mindfulness City" project, emphasizing that unresolved land rights issues conflict with India’s democratic principles. Recommend that India press Bhutan to ensure fair compensation for displaced Bhutanese before implementing the project.

- Encourage the Nepalese government to actively engage India and the international community to address the refugee crisis and work toward a comprehensive and just solution.

- Encourage the Nepalese government to involve international aid agencies in providing essential support for refugees in camps in eastern Nepal, ensuring their basic needs are consistently met until comprehensive resolutions are fully secured.

Conclusion:

The ongoing crisis faced by the Nepali-speaking Southern Bhutanese is not just a matter for Bhutan and Nepal—it is a global issue of human rights and justice. Therefore, I call on the international community and human rights organizations to take swift action to address these violations and ensure fair compensation for displaced families.

The suffering of these families, caused by the illegal actions of the Bhutanese government, has lasted far too long. Your role in this is crucial. As the saying goes, "Justice delayed is justice denied." I urge you to take this appeal seriously and take necessary actions without further delay.

The author is former Bhutanese refugee currently based in the US.