Four Bhutanese Lotshampa refugees—Aasis Subedi, Santosh Darji, Roshan Tamang, and Ashok Gurung—have filed an appeal in Nepal’s Supreme Court on July 27, challenging a government order that would deport them from Nepal. This decision comes after the four were forcibly deported back to Bhutan in April this year, despite being resettled in the United States through a UN refugee program. This move has caused an uproar in the international community, as it goes against the principles of human rights and international law.
The four refugees, who were living in Nepal for over two decades, were among the thousands of Bhutanese refugees who fled their homeland due to political persecution and ethnic discrimination in the early 1990s. They sought refuge in Nepal, hoping for a better life and a chance to rebuild their future. However, their dreams were shattered when the Nepalese government suddenly decided to deport them back to Bhutan, a country they had fled from in the first place.
The decision to deport these four refugees has been met with widespread condemnation from various human rights organizations and activists. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed its concern and disappointment over the government’s decision, stating that it goes against the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of refugees to a country where they may face persecution. The UNHCR has also urged the Nepalese government to reconsider its decision and ensure the protection of the refugees’ rights.
The four refugees, along with their lawyers, have now taken their case to the Supreme Court, seeking justice and protection of their rights. They have argued that their deportation was illegal and violated their right to due process. They also stated that they were not given a fair opportunity to present their case and were not informed about the reasons for their deportation. Moreover, they have highlighted the fact that they were resettled in the United States through a legitimate UN refugee program, and their deportation goes against the agreement between the UNHCR and the Nepalese government.
The appeal filed by the four refugees has raised a significant question about the treatment of refugees in Nepal. Nepal has been a host to thousands of refugees for decades, and it has a responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being. However, the recent decision to deport the four refugees has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of refugees. It is essential for the Nepalese government to uphold its international obligations and protect the rights of refugees, including the principle of non-refoulement.
The case of these four refugees is not an isolated one. There have been reports of other refugees being forcibly deported from Nepal in recent years. This trend is alarming and goes against the values of humanity and compassion. It is crucial for the Nepalese government to review its policies and procedures regarding refugees and ensure that their rights are protected.
The international community has also expressed its support for the four refugees and their appeal. Various human rights organizations and activists have called for the Nepalese government to reconsider its decision and provide a safe and secure environment for the refugees. The United States, where the refugees were resettled, has also expressed its concern and urged Nepal to respect the refugees’ rights.
The appeal filed by the four refugees is a courageous step towards seeking justice and protecting their rights. It is a reminder to the world that refugees are not just statistics, but they are individuals with hopes, dreams, and aspirations. Their lives should not be treated as pawns in political games, and their rights should be respected and protected.
In conclusion, the appeal filed by Aasis Subedi, Santosh Darji, Roshan Tamang, and Ashok Gurung is a significant step towards seeking justice and protecting the rights of refugees. The Nepalese government must take this opportunity to review its policies and ensure that the rights of refugees are respected and protected. It is time for Nepal to show its commitment to human rights and international law by providing a safe and secure environment for refugees. Let us hope that justice prevails, and these four refugees are able to return to their resettlement country and rebuild their lives.
