Global Campaign for Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan Congratulates New Nepali PM, Urges Action on Refugee Crisis

Kathmandu. The 'Global Campaign for Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan' (GCRPPB), which has long been campaigning for the release of political prisoners in Bhutan, has congratulated the newly appointed Prime Minister, Balen Shah. Issuing a statement from The Hague, Netherlands, the organization described Shah's appointment as a historic achievement.

The statement issued by the organization's Global Coordinator, Ram Karki, portrayed Prime Minister Shah as a symbol of good governance, transparency, and transformative leadership, urging him to prioritize addressing the long-pending Bhutanese refugee issue.

Stating that nearly 6,500 Bhutanese are still awaiting rights and security in refugee camps in Nepal, the organization drew the government's attention to charting a clear path for their dignified future. The organization demands that transparent options for voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement in a third country must be ensured for the refugees remaining after the international resettlement program. Furthermore, it urged the initiation of diplomatic dialogue with Bhutan to create an environment for safe return and to eliminate irregularities seen in refugee management.

GCRPPB expressed confidence that the Government of Nepal will take diplomatic initiatives for the release of at least 30 political prisoners who have been incarcerated in various jails in Bhutan for decades. Expecting that the legal status and access to basic rights of the refugees will be strengthened under Prime Minister Shah's leadership, the organization emphasized collaboration with international organizations for a long-term solution to this humanitarian crisis.