'Home' travels to seven refugee camps in Jhapa

DAMAK, April 23: ´Home´, a photo exhibition on refugees from Bhutan resettled in the United States of America, opened earlier this week at the Beldangi II refugee camp in Jhapa. The exhibition, co-organized by UNHCR and photo.circle, exhibits photographs taken by photographer Kashish Das Shrestha, a photographer and journalist based in New York. [break]

With over 30 images, ´Home´ follows the story of two families - the Odari and Neupane families - who arrived in New York in June 2008.

"This exhibition is part of our ongoing information dissemination strategy on durable solutions. These extraordinary photos, and commentary by Kashish Das Shrestha provide a moving insight into what life is like in a resettlement country for one young refugee couple and their families," said Diane Goodman, UNHCR Deputy Representative in Nepal who opened the exhibition.

"The Neupane and Odari families miss their friends in Nepal and hope that someday they can visit Bhutan. They are also excited and grateful for their new life in the United States," said photographer Kashish Das Shrestha.

"Thanks to the organizers, I feel privileged to share some moments of their lives in New York," Kashish added.

The exhibition was held in all the seven refugee camps including Beldangi I, Beldangi II, Beldangi Extention, Sanischare, Khudunabari, Timai and Goldhap. It has been open to the public from 10:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs from 20 to 24 April 2009.

Since the start of the resettlement programme in November 2007, some 12,388 refugees from Bhutan have left their camps in Nepal for resettlement countries. The United States of America received the largest numbers so far – 10,934. They have gone to cities like Tuscon, Seattle, Pittsburg, Altanta and Baltimore.

Departures to Australia total 675, New Zealand 220, Denmark 161, Norway 159, Canada 148, and the Netherlands 91.

“By looking at these pictures, I am very happy. Please take me soon too.” said Pamcham Tamang of Bendangi II.

“I hope this exhibition will bring positive attitude towards third country resettlement of the Bhutanese people.” Said Rohit Kumar Pokharel of Beldangi II.

“I am very much glad to see the entire family of the Neopane and Odari families. It seems that life style and Nepali culture is well practiced in the US. We have heard many negative rumors that uneducated and aged face tough problems to adjust in the US but it is good to see that it is possible.” said Tek Bahadur Giri of Beldangi II.

Over 66,000 refugees have already expressed their interest for resettlement.

The UN refugee agency continues to ensure that refugees are able to make voluntary, free and informed decision regarding solutions.

More than 5000 camp residents viewed the exhibition today. Over 30,000 are expected to view the exhibition by the end of its tour.

The exhibition is co-organized and managed by photo.circle, a photo collective based in Kathmandu that organizes photo exhibitions, presentations, workshops and festivals with a strong emphasis on story telling through the visual medium.