The mass exodus of Lhotshampas from Bhutan to Nepal in the early 1990s has positioned Bhutan as one of the world's highest per capita refugee generators. This article delves into the historical context, current conditions, and ongoing challenges faced by these refugees.
Between 1989 and 1993, over 95,000 Lhotshampas, representing nearly a sixth of Bhutan's population at the time, were compelled to leave their homes. This displacement was largely due to the Bhutanese government's enforcement of the "Driglam Namzha," a cultural policy promoting a homogeneous national identity, which marginalized the Nepali-speaking Hindu population of southern Bhutan. The policy included strict regulations on dress, language, and customs, aligning with those of the northern Bhutanese majority.
The implementation of these cultural norms was part of a broader nationalistic agenda titled "One Nation, One People." The government's actions included shutting down schools and hospitals predominantly used by the Lhotshampa community, further pressuring them to leave the country.
Today, Nepal hosts significant numbers of Bhutanese refugees across seven camps located in the Jhapa and Morang districts, two of the most densely populated areas in the country. These camps are home to approximately 101,000 refugees, with nearly half residing in the Beldangi camp. The camps are typically accessed via winding dirt roads, leading through fields and forests to secluded areas that reveal rows of huts and communal facilities.
The refugee camps contain 45 schools, serving around 40,000 pupils with the help of 956 teachers. Despite a reported average student-to-teacher ratio of 40:1, the reality is often classrooms filled beyond capacity. The educational environment in these camps, while providing basic literacy and numeracy, also offers a semblance of normalcy and routine for children who have experienced significant upheaval.
Most school structures are temporary, constructed from materials like brick, bamboo, and grass, reflecting the impermanent nature of the camps. Classrooms lack desks for younger students, who sit on jute mats produced locally as part of income-generating activities supported by organizations like Oxfam.
Refugees in these camps face strict limitations on their movements and rights. For instance, they are not permitted to own land or engage in substantial agricultural activities, despite many having rural backgrounds. This restriction poses significant challenges for their potential repatriation or integration into societies where agriculture plays a vital role.
To address these issues, various vocational training programs and income-generating projects have been initiated within the camps. These programs aim to equip refugees with new skills, although they cannot fully replace the agricultural expertise lost over years of displacement.
Organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Oxfam have been instrumental in providing essential services such as medical care, food supplies, and education in the camps. These efforts have markedly improved living conditions for the refugees, yet the long-term resolution regarding their right to return to Bhutan or resettle elsewhere remains uncertain.
The situation of Bhutanese refugees in Nepal highlights the complex interplay of national policies, cultural identity, and human rights. While immediate needs are being addressed through international aid and local initiatives, the overarching need for a durable solution persists. The international community, along with the involved nations, must work towards sustainable resolutions that respect the rights and aspirations of the refugees.
For further reading on the topic, visit the UNHCR's Bhutanese Refugees page and Oxfam's report on Nepal.
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