Bhutan
History of Bhutan
Bhutan is often described as a picturesque place where the people are among the happiest in the world. This glosses over the mistreatment of the Nepalese Bhutanese citizens by their government.
The major event sparking their mistreatment was a policy enacted in 1991. The goal of this policy was to make the Nepalese Bhutanese, who were largely Hindu, convert and adapt to the culture of Buddhism. In addition, a census was conducted for the first time in Southern Bhutan. This census demanded very specific paperwork in order for the people to be considered citizens. Most people in the area did not have the paperwork and were thus classified as illegal. Mistreatment escalated and eventually people had to choose to flee or risk being evicted, jailed, tortured, killed, or raped. The government even forced people to sign documents stating that they were leaving of their own free will. About a third of Bhutan's population fled the country.Watch this video to hear from those affected by these events.
Nepal and India—both areas where a majority of Bhutanese refugees fled to—did not welcome them with open arms. They were hostile and adamantly opposed to letting them work or settle in their countries. Instead, they set up refugee camps. These camps have been home to the Bhutanese refugees for decades. Many have resettled in secondary countries like the United States and Australia, but many remain. They hope that one day they can return to their homes in Bhutan.
For those who chose to resettle, the process is a lengthy and difficult one.
Watch this video to hear about the resettlement experience.