Six UN Special Rapporteurs condemn Bhutan’s persecution of political prisoners, Demand immediate release

KATHMANDU, April 5: A landmark joint report by six United Nations Special Rapporteurs has drawn global attention to Bhutan’s widespread and systematic human rights abuses, particularly the prolonged persecution of political prisoners.

The report, which exposes systematic human rights violations in Bhutan, documents serious violations including arbitrary detention, torture, unfair trials, and inhumane prison conditions of the Bhutan’s political prisoners. The Global Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan (GCRPPB) and Human Rights Watch (HRW) have welcomed the report.

Despite Bhutan’s long-standing image as a peaceful Himalayan kingdom, the report reveals a starkly different reality. It highlights how members of the Lhotshampa ethnic minority—many of whom have been imprisoned for advocating democracy and human rights—continue to face severe repression. These prisoners have reportedly endured degrading treatment, denial of medical care, and systematic violations of their basic legal rights.

According to the report, Bhutanese authorities have misused anti-terrorism laws and vague national security provisions to target political dissenters. Detainees are frequently held without trial, forced to confess under duress, and are often denied access to legal representation and contact with their families. “We implore the King to exercise His Majesty’s power to pardon and release these prisoners,” the UN experts have said in a direct appeal.

The Special Rapporteurs expressed grave concern over the continued use of torture, lack of fair judicial processes, and inhumane prison conditions in Bhutan, all of which contravene international human rights standards.

Bhutan’s Breach of International Human Rights Obligations

Although Bhutan is not a party to several key international treaties—such as International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), Convention Against Torture (CAT) -- it is nonetheless obligated to uphold fundamental human rights under customary international law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The report also highlights Bhutan's failure to implement the recommendations from its 2019 Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

The report includes detailed documentation of 19 political prisoners (out of a total of 32), based on consent for publication. However, it affirms that all 32 individuals are equally included in the call for justice and release. The GCRPPB has expressed deep gratitude to Human Rights Watch for its partnership and support in coordinating efforts with UN mechanisms to bring this issue to the global stage.

Furthermore, the GCRPPB has called on Bhutan to immediately release all political prisoners and bring its domestic policies in line with international human rights standards. The organization also urged the international community—including the United Nations, human rights organizations, and democratic governments—to intensify diplomatic pressure on Bhutan to end these longstanding violations.

“This report is a powerful validation of the injustices faced by political prisoners in Bhutan. Their voices must no longer be silenced,” said Ram Karki, fouder and global coordinator of the GCRPPB. “We stand in solidarity with the victims and their families and will continue advocating until every political prisoner is freed.”

GCRPPB further emphasized its commitment to ensuring proper rehabilitation and reintegration support for released prisoners, expressing hope for continued global solidarity in this ongoing campaign for justice.

List of 32 Political Prisoners Advocated for Release