BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

BHUTANESE REFUGEES IN NEPAL: QUEST FOR CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES

Author: Lok Raj Baral

DOI Link: https://www.doi.org/ BIISSj1999v20n4a1

ABSTRACT

The policy of forced assimilation by the Bhutanese monarch vis-a-vis the southern Bhutanese of Nepali origin alienated the latter leading to refugee influx into Nepal. Despite the fact that Nepal's response to the cause of these refugees has been sympathetic, it has added another burden to its growing population. Having burdened with these refugees, Nepal has been pursuing a bilateral approach towards the solution of the problem. But bilateral negotiation has been resulting in failure due to a host of reasons particularly for the lack of mutual trust and confidence. On Nepal's part, internationalisation of the issue or making India involved in seeking the solution of the problem would not be rational since such an effort is likely to invite outside intervention. However, the lingering of the problem is not only problematic for Nepal, but also the Bhutanese regime. Therefore. in addition to showing respect for human rights law, it is essential for the Bhutanese regime to create an environment suitable for the return of the refugees.