Tibetan Refugees in Nepal Face Rising Chinese Dominance, Says New TCHRD Report
A recent report released by the Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD), in collaboration with the Asian Dignity Initiative (ADI) based in Seoul, sheds light on the increasingly dire circumstances faced by Tibetan refugees residing in Nepal. Entitled ‘Languishing in Limbo: Tibetan Refugees in Nepal,’ the report underscores a troubling surge in Chinese dominance within the Himalayan nation, exacerbating the plight of Tibetan refugees.
Traditionally regarded as a safe haven for Tibetans fleeing persecution in China, Nepal has witnessed a notable shift in its treatment of this vulnerable population. The report highlights the growing alignment of Nepal’s geopolitical stance with China, particularly following its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative in 2017, as a significant factor adversely impacting the Tibetan community. The strict enforcement of the ‘One China’ policy within Nepal has resulted in curtailed civil and political liberties for Tibetan refugees, including constraints on cultural observances such as the Tibetan New Year and the Dalai Lama’s birthday. The situation confronting Tibetan refugees in Nepal is described as precarious, with many lacking proper documentation, rendering them susceptible to human rights abuses and constraining their employment and travel opportunities. Even those in possession of refugee identification cards face severe limitations on their freedoms. The report highlights instances where Nepali authorities have refused exit permits to Tibetan refugees under pressure from China, impeding efforts for resettlement in third countries.
Additionally, the report sheds light on the deprivation of fundamental human rights experienced by Tibetan refugees, including freedom of expression and assembly. Instances of arbitrary arrests and detentions during significant Tibetan commemorations or visits by Chinese officials to Nepal are documented. Furthermore, heightened Chinese-led surveillance and espionage activities targeting Tibetan refugees in Nepal have raised alarm.
Kinam Kim, the executive director of ADI, and Ms. Tenzin Dawa, the executive director of TCHRD, emphasize the imperative for Nepali authorities to safeguard the human rights of Tibetan refugees. They urge Nepal to grant substantive rights and freedoms to these individuals, enabling them to lead lives of dignity and liberty. Despite Nepal’s non-signatory status to Refugee Conventions, it remains bound by various international human rights agreements, which should guide its treatment of Tibetan refugees.
The report advocates for a comprehensive approach to address the challenges confronting Tibetan refugees in Nepal. TCHRD and ADI call upon Nepal to review and revoke policies and agreements that violate the human rights of Tibetan refugees, underscoring the importance of upholding national sovereignty while honoring international treaty obligations. In essence, the report underscores the deteriorating circumstances faced by Tibetan refugees in Nepal amidst escalating Chinese influence, urging immediate action to safeguard their rights and freedoms.
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