July 15, 2006.
A leaflet welcoming the statements of UNHCR for Durable Solution vis-à-vis third country resettlement for the Bhutanese Refugees was printed and distributed in the refugee camps for information.
July 25, 2006.
Meeting with, The Resident Representative, Abraham Abraham, UNHCR at Kathmandu. He informed us about various factors with regard to Durable Solution vis-à-vis third country resettlement and some misleading statements in the media while UNHCR was concerned about the future of the Bhutanese refugees. The meeting discussed on deteriorating situations of the refugees in the camps and it also focused on the hurdles while finding Durable Solution. The delegates intimated the UNHCR to form a strong body, a committee of able Bhutanese intellectuals to work on Durable Solution. The delegates assured UNHCR to go ahead with the responsibilities of Durable Solution while we get organized. The delegates affirmed its commitments and would intimate the activities to the UNHCR.
August 01, 2006.
The Bhutanese intellectuals and members of various Bhutanese organizations sat down in the newly established office of Centre for Protection of Human Rights-Bhutan (CPHR-B) at Satdobato, Kathmandu to discuss the issues on Durable Solution and to find ways and means to solve the hurdles that were put up by some organizations and leaders of Bhutan who are seeking repatriation despite impracticality at the present situations and the danger of repetition of government atrocities upon repatriation of the refugees.
The meeting decided to form a committee and planned further programs. A committee named as Refugee Rights Coordinating Committee (RRCC) to work on Durable Solution for Bhutanese refugees was formally founded. The founding members unanimously shouldered the responsibilities of the committee to N. B. Giri (Narbahadur Giri) as Chief Coordinator.
August 05, 2006.
Refugee Rights Coordinating Committee (RRCC) was formally declared through a press conference at Reporters’ Club, Kathmandu. The Nepal 1 TV telecasted the program and few radios also broadcasted the same.
August 16, 2006.
A 30 member team of RRCC met Madam, Kimberly Roberson Durable Solution Officer for Bhutanese refugees, UNHCR and discussed the various issues regarding options of Durable Solution and resettlement of the refugees in third countries. She highlighted the position of UNHCR and the government of Nepal about opening all options of Durable Solution for Bhutanese refugees. The delegates felt it pragmatic that Bhutanese refugees should decide their fate. No government and no organization should stop the refugees for their rights to protection and peaceful living. The committee discussed its plans and programs of RRCC with the officer. The meeting resolved that the committee should work earnestly and let the languishing refugees voicing for freedom from slums like refugee camps in Eastern Nepal get justice. It was also informed that most probably Registration of the Bhutanese refugees would be started from October 2006. Therefore, refugees are required to be present during the registration. A presentation letter was read out by the Secretary, Ashok Gurung, The meeting lasted for 3 hours.
August 21, 2006.
Homnath Baral, Secretary Planning and Public Relation and the Chief Coordinator met the officials of Nepal Unit for Coordinating Refugee Affairs (NUCRA) at Singhadurbar to learn the opinions of the Government of Nepal. It was informed that Nepal Government was yet to sit down for discussion to find a way for resolving Bhutanese Refugee crisis.
The officials felt it imperative that immediately a solution has to come for the refugees as sixteen years is enough time for the oppressed people to remain in the camps waiting for repatriation. The Government of Nepal assured us of positive resolution within few months. We were also advised to discuss the matter with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister as well as with the Prime Minister.
August 26, 2006.
A meeting was held at Dipawali Library Club at Satdobato, Lalitpur by RRCC to plan further programs and highlight present activities of the committee and to share opinions to unite unconditionally to find a Durable Solution for the refugees. Ms. Meena Acharya delivered the welcome speech stating the needs of unity amongst Bhutanese Refugees and requested all to come forward and demonstrate sincerity and loyalty to solve the problems.
# Mr. Homnath Baral explained the past works initiated by his team of ‘Bhutanese Refugee Durable Solution Coordinating Committee’ and the problems encountered by it. He highlighted that 70 thousands refugees in the camps have opted for Durable Solution as per signatures collected officially in 2005. He highlighted the important points of Durable Solution and appreciated the bold action taken up by the RRCC at this most crucial period of time.
# Mr. R. N. Bista, General Secretary, Administration created a center of attention of the house to stand united for third country resettlement and not to get distracted by grimy matters that amounts to someone’s vested interest since we are seriously concerned for peace and prosperity in our life. He also stated that holders of unnecessary questions could be the reason of his or her immaturity or lack of interest towards the Durable Solution of the Bhutanese Refugees. Such things must be removed from our minds. He was very analytical about his speech.
# Mr. Chandra Chhetri, General Secretary, Legal Affairs conveyed the information received from UNHCR and Nepal Government. He also highlighted various questions that were put up to UNHCR and Embassies and the answers received from them accordingly. He further stressed that there is a need for every Bhutanese Refugee to be concerned for the situations in the camps. Intellect ones should not bring confusion to the innocent people and impressed that such things should be stopped that brings disunity at this crucial phase of our survival.
# Mr. Kamal Dhital justified the audience the needs to strengthen the committee. He narrated examples and summed up the various works done by individuals on this issue. He cautioned the members to be alert that some irresponsible elements may counteract the Refugee Rights Coordinating Committee. He also raised the questions of threats from underground elements targeting the members of the committee who are actively involved in Durable Solution.
# Ms. Pingala Dhital of ‘Voice for Change’ (Women Organization) from the audience was also requested to share her views on Durable Solution. She was concerned about the women of the camps who with their infant children were faced with dark future. She was interested to give more impetus to the committee and shared her obligation of unity towards RRCC. She was thankful to the committee as it relieved many of her tensions like threats from miscreants and said that RRCC has paved a way for working towards Durable Solution effectively.
# Ashok Gurung, R. N. Bista, Chandra Chhetri and the Chief Coordinator, RRCC responded to various questions raised by the audience.
# Most of the intellectuals present in the meeting vouched to support the Durable Solution vis-à-vis third country resettlement initiated by the committee. Many suggested to have a mass meeting of the Bhutanese intellectuals living at Kathmandu and requested to stage a demonstration to draw the attention of the Nepal Government and the International Communities.
# Mr. Ram Gurung monitored the meeting. And Mr. Kamal Koiral delivered vote of thanks.
August 28, 2006.
A six member delegation team met The Ambassador of Australia, His Excellency, Graeme Lade at the Australian Embassy at Suraj Niwas, Bansbari, Kathmandu. His Excellency assured the team for a definite role of the Government of Australia to resettle
the Bhutanese Refugees in third countries as all other options of solution are out of reach as per the present situations. He also mentioned about the Core Group formed specifically to handle Bhutanese Refugee issue.
The delegation team requested to impress upon the Government of Nepal to open the options of Durable Solution. The delegation member Mr. Chandra Chhetri appraised His Excellency about the activities of the committee. There were many questions raised by the delegation team which were frequently asked by the innocent refugees in the camps like religions, culture, old age people, returning back to Nepal or Bhutan or even migrating from the resettlement countries. His Excellency assured the team that these rights were already secured by the International Refugee Laws and advised us to further raise the matter if necessary. His Excellency was pleased to hear the initiatives taken by the committee on Durable Solution and further advised the team to continue working till the solution is reached.
August 29, 2006.
Mr. Homnath Baral and the Chief Coordinator Mr. N. B. Giri met Ms. Kimberly Roberson, Senior Durable Solution Officer, UNHCR and briefed about the developments of the committee on Durable Solution. She was very positive about the initiatives taken by the committee. She advised the committee to maintain working relation with UNHCR. We also requested her to provide workshop to Bhutanese Refugees for Registration work in the camps. She assured that very soon UNHCR would discuss with the Government of Nepal and decide necessary action on the matter.
Sept. 01, 2006.
General Discussion of the committee members was held to summarize the activities and plan further necessary action. The following points were highlighted:
i. RRCC has written to US Embassy, Canadian Corporation Office, European Union and others in concern to Durable Solution of the Bhutanese Refugees. Canadian Office has forwarded our letter to its New-Delhi office for information and necessary action.
ii. Amnesty International is kept in contact with the committee for further necessary action. Reports have been submitted.
iii. The committee is in the process of contacting NGOs and Nepalese Civil Society. However, it is delayed due the differences of their opinions about the Bhutanese Refugees. Bhutanese Refugees are in need of protection rather than fighting with the Bhutanese Monarch at this hour. Refugees are not ready to fight with anybody when we are survived with begged alms.
iv. The committee is finding difficulties to focus its activities through Nepali media, as they are least concerned about the voice of the poor refugees. The media personnel are seen interested to focus leaders who are not concerned about the lives of the people in the camps. It is only politics they seem to be concerned about and not the humanitarian needs, the truths about the victims are kept hidden to attain their organizational aims and objectives.
v. The committee decided to move ahead with its plans and programs and include camp secretaries so that they could express their views and supports to the committee.
Sept. 03, 2006.
RRCC wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Nepal, His Excellency, K. P. Sharma Oli and Home Minister, His Excellency Krishna Prasad Sitaula respectively about the situations of the refugees and requested to open options of third country resettlement as legitimate rights of the Bhutanese Refugees.
Sept. 05, 2006.
Amnesty International UK who was briefed about the activities of the committee has responded positively to look into the matter and has agreed to sit with the UNHCR, UN bodies and the resettling countries to help the Bhutanese Refugees.
Sept. 07, 2006.
Chief Coordinator met UNHCR officials, Mr. Michele Manca di Nissa and Ms. Kimberly Roberson and highlighted the various issues including security matters. It was understood that UNHCR and the Government of Nepal were seriously concerned about the security issue.
Sept. 08, 2006 .
Mr. N. B. Giri met the Home Secretary Umesh Prasad Mainali of the Ministry of Home Affairs and briefed about the security matters. Letter was issued to the District Administrative Office here at Kathmandu for necessary action.
Sept. 14, 2006.
Had discussion with the members of Nepal Bar Association. We briefed about the activities of the RRCC for resettlement of the refugees. Most of the Bar Members raised the concern that few organizations and leaders were opposed to resettlement and they were found raising voice for repatriation without concern to the security to the lives of the ignorant people.
Sept. 15, 2006.
A memorandum signed by more than 76 refugees staying in Kathmandu and six camp secretaries was submitted to the Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala at Balwatar. And copies of the same memorandum was handed over to Embassies of the US, Australia, Canada and UNHCR respectively for necessary action.
Sept. 19, 2006.
Had an appointment with the US Embassy. The envoy of His Excellency the Ambassador James F Moriarty, Second Secretary, Mr. William S. Martin briefed us about the US Government policies. We were assured of all possible helps to the Bhutanese Refugees to resettle in US. He also assured that US would resettle all refugees if it were a challenge. He informed that the Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister K. P. Sharma Oli was actively working with high level US Government officials in New York in the interest of the Bhutanese Refugees. He was very much concerned that US would not import Maoist or extremist minded persons to US. The resettlement of Bhutanese refugees was purely on humanitarian ground so that the refugees could live a normal life.
Sept. 21, 2006.
A meeting of RRCC was held at Dipawali Library Club at Satdobato, Lalitpur. The meeting decided to form coordinating groups for all camps. It elected executive body of RRCC. The meeting also resolved to formally announce the committee as a permanent committee. The committee was shouldered with the responsibilities specifically to deal the matters of RESETTLEMENT of the Bhutanese Refugees.
Sept. 22, 2006.
The executive members of RRCC met with the delegates from Canada at Canadian Consulate Office at Kathmandu, Rick Herringer, Director, Refugee Resettlement, Refugee Branch, Ms. Trudy Kerhighan of the Canadian Embassy in New Delhi and Ed Doe, Counsellor (Dev) & Consul, CIDA Representative. We had very fruitful meeting. We were assured of Canadian help to resettle Bhutanese Refugees in Canada.
Sept. 23, 2006.
Refugee Rights Coordinating Committee (RRCC) though specifically advocates third country resettlement to the Bhutanese refugees, a memorandum of understanding was signed today between Mr. N. B. Giri and Hari Adhikari Bangaley that both shall work in a team to the concept of the Durable Solution for the Bhutanese Refugees. However, it was unanimously resolved that RRCC shall specifically work for third country resettlement for the Bhutanese Refugees. Efficiency, ability and confidence with transparency are the factors that would legitimize the existence of the committee.
Sept. 28, 2006.
The committee handed over Appeal letter of 48 Bhutanese refugee students requesting resettlement in the US to the Ambassador of US. Copies of the same were given to the Prime minister of Nepal and the UNHCR respectively.
October 01, 2006.
The committee held meetings to discuss its activities in the refugee camps during the Dushera and Tihar festival. All the students and teachers after reaching their camps shall dissipate the information of third country resettlement to the mass. Meetings shall be held at sector level as well as at higher level in the interest of the refugees.
October 04, 2006 .
Teachers, youths, elders and social workers met the RRCC Chief Coordinator, N. B. Giri to learn about the third country resettlement and its practicality in the context of the Bhutanese Refugees. After discussion they were further responsive and requested more effective work be done for third country resettlement.
October 05, 2006.
A general meeting was held at Khudunabari refugee camp where the Chief Coordinator briefed about the Durable Solution vis-à-vis third country resettlement. Khudunabari Camp Secretary, Mr. Manoj Rai chaired the meeting. The meeting was concluded in peaceful atmosphere.
October 06, 2006.
A second meeting was arranged at Khudunabari where Mr. Hari Adhikari Bangaley and N. B. Giri, RRCC Chief Coordinator had an audience with the youths who were opposing the resettlement. Some of the youths wanted to disturb the meeting with baseless arguments. It was understood later that they were misguided, as some radical grouping should have motivated them.
October 09, 2006.
A meeting was organized at Damak Druggist Hall to intimate the matters concerning durable solution. Mr. Hari Adhikari Bangaley (Spokesperson, BRDSCC), Mr Setu Nepal (Central Executive Member, RRCC), Kamal Dhital, Ram Chandra Baskota (Camp Secretary, Goldhap) and Mr. N. B. Giri (Chief Coordinator, RRCC) addressed the meeting. RRCC Secretary, Mr. Ashok Gurung replied to various questions of the audience.
October 10, 2006.
A press release was issued by the refugees today condemning the statements of Mr. Teknath Rizal who terminated six camp secretaries from his organization BRRRC. More than 500 refugees signed the press release. Similarly six camp secretaries held meeting at Birtamode to counter the allegation of Mr. Rizal. Mr. Manoj Rai the camp secretary of Khudunabari refugee camp condemned Mr. Rizal of being against the interest of the refugees. Mr. Hari Adhikari Bangaley camp secretary Beldfangi II also charged Mr. Rizal and asked to clarify his misleading statements.
October 19, 2006.
RRCC issued a press statement welcoming Ms. Ellen Sauerbrey, the Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration for her comprehensible concept to resettle 60 thousand Bhutanese Refugees in US.
October 23, 2006.
The following are the executives of the committee, Mr. R. N. Bista, Mr. Kharga Bahadur Gurung, Mr. Bharat Gurung and Mr. Setu Nepal were shouldered with the various responsibilities of the RRCC. The committee will upgrade its executives in its next meeting. It was also discussed since there was no proper committee to shoulder the responsibilities of the third country resettlement and BRDSCC was only a concept and did not represent the specific issue other than the general issue of the refugee and also it was not clearly aimed at solving the problems RRCC was vital to be re-enforced and re-vitalized to take the lead role in the refugee rights affairs for the Bhutanese Refugees.
Nov. 01, 2006 .
Had an appointment with IDP Coordinator Mr. Michele Manca di Nissa at UNHCR office. Discussed about the Registration work that was going on in the camps. Ashok Gurung the secretary RRCC explained the needs of clarifying some of the questions raised by the refugees. A leaflet covering some basic answers would be preferred printed. Mr Michele, the IDP officer was pleased with the initiatives of the committee and advised the committee to go ahead with the work. For any further work he advised to contact Ms. Kimberly Roberson and others involved in the Durable Solution work.
Nov. 06, 2006.
Mr. N. B. Giri, Chief Coordinator RRCC and Mr. Rodney M. Hunter, the political officer of the US Embassy met at Hotel Shangrila to discuss the present issues of the Bhutanese refugees. A close cooperation between the staffs of the Embassy and the committee was felt necessary to move the resettlement process smoothly.
Nov. 16, 2006.
Mr. N. B. Giri, met His Excellency Richard A. Boucher the Ambassador and Assistant Secretary South and Central Asia, and many other leaders at the Kamal Kunj resident of His Excellency the US Ambassador for Nepal James Francis Moriarty. Issues relating to the Bhutanese Refugees were briefly shared at the get-together meeting. His Excellency, Boucher highlighted the talks that he had with the Royal Government of Bhutan. He said, Bhutan was positive in resolving the refugee problems and was agreeable to repatriate some refugees falling under Category I and Category IV. However, it was not clear how Bhutan would respond to the Nepal-Bhutan talk. His Excellency affirmed US is ready to resettle Bhutanese Refugees who cannot get repatriated and who are interested to resettle in the US. But, the resettlement in the US is purely a humanitarian work he added. Similarly, Bhutanese Refugee issue was discussed with the His Excellency, Graeme Lade the Australian Ambassador, UNHCR Chief Abraham Abraham, Ian Martin, Personal Representative of the UN Secretary General and many diplomats who were present at the high level get-together. Besides these distinguished personalities Nepal Army Chief Rukman Singh Katwal, Subash Nemwang the Speaker of the Nepal Parliament, Ram Saran Mahat Finance Minister of Nepal, Melissa Rosser of USAID Nepal, Hira Bahadur Thapa Joint Secretary of Foreign Ministry, were met during the get-together. It is appreciable that the International Communities would back the US offer to the Bhutanese Refugees and many countries would open door to the Bhutanese Refugees for resettlement once the talk-game between Nepal and Bhutan is over.
Nov. 20, 2006.
Two leaflets, one explaining the questions raised by the refugees about resettlement and another addressing the general refugee mass about our future have been published by RRCC and distributed in the camps. All concerned authorities are also provided with the information.
Dec. 08, 2006.
Meetings withf camp representatives and members of the RRCC was felt necessary to further the activities of the committee. The meeting decided to present the report for necessary action. RRCC visits camps for the same.
Dec. 10-19, 2006.
Met LWF officers at Damak. Discussed plans and programs and financial needs for RRCC. LWF, Caritas Nepal, UNHCR and most of the agencies working for Bhutanese Refugees appreciated the work of RRCC and assured of coordination and cooperation. They appreciated the specific objective of RRCC for Third Country Resettlement. And today itself RRCC decided to launch its project “We want to build our home again”.
Dec. 29, 2006.
A press conference was organized by the Freedom Forum, Nepal where RRCC issued the press statement countering the statement of the Foreign Minister Lynpo Khandu Wangchuck of Bhutan who in the Bhutan’s National Assembly meeting on 27 December 2007, had labeled the Bhutanese Refugees as “ready-made terrorists”.
Jan. 23, 2007.
A team of RRCC met the Country Representative LWF at the HQs Kathmandu and discussed various issues relating to the options of ‘durable’ solution vis-à-vis third country resettlement. LWF was very much concerned to see the Bhutanese Refugees start living a normal life.
Jan. 24, 2007.
Chandra Chhetri, General Secretary-Legal Affairs, expressed concern about slow or insignificant response from the Government of Nepal towards resettlement of the Bhutanese Refugees during the meeting with the UNHCR officials in the laters’ office. However, it was understood that the Government of Nepal would agree to the member countries that are resettling the Bhutanese Refugees. It was also informed to the UNHCR during the meeting that politicizing of the refuges is going on in the camps by some political and human rights activists of Bhutan, which should not jeopardize the refugee solution.
March 09, 2007.
A demonstration with banners and placards was staged in front of the Singhadurbar, Kathmandu to draw the attention of the Government of Nepal for resolving the Bhutanese Refugee issue immediately. A memorandum was submitted to the Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala with the request to allow us to resettle in third countries as repatriation is not imminent and secured as per the present situations in Bhutan.
March 12, 2007.
We discussed resettlement matters with the Refugee Officer of the US Embassy Ms. Crystal T Kaplan. It was learnt that by July 2007 an office 'Overseas Processing Entity' will be set up in Kathmandu to look-after the resettlement matters. Meanwhile, we were told that Core Group countries are working to solve the Bhutanese Refugee issue. The committee was assured of necessary information and coordination in the future about the resettlement of the Bhutanese Refugees in the US.
March 28, 2007.
Had and appointment with His Excellency Tore Toreng, the Ambassador of Norway at Royal Norwegian Embassy, Kathmandu and discussed the Bhutanese Refugee issue. We learnt that Norway is resettling about 1000 refugees from all over the world annually. And Norway is considering to resettle about 250 to 300 Bhutanese Refugees from 2007-2008 onward. The resettlement process is very much as per the genuine needs of the refugees. However, the refugees become eligible for citizenship after seven years. Ms. Mette Strengehagen, the Second Secretary of the Royal Norwegian Embassy and R. N. Bista General Secretary, Ashok Gurung, Spokesperson and N. B. Giri the Chief Coordinator of RRCC were present in the meeting.
April 17, 2007.
Met the delegates of European Commission, Director General for Humanitarian Aid - ECHO, Esko KENTRSCHYNSKYJ, Dominique Feron (Technical Assistant for Nepal) and members of LWF and the UNHCR at the Khudunabari Refugee camp. The meeting was arranged by the camp committee where RRCC briefed about the refugee community and handed over a memorandum. The delegates assured the Bhutanese Refugees of all possible help in finding a durable solution including resettlement in third countries.
May 04, 2007.
The committee was invited to have a meeting with Mr. Vincent Cochetel, the Deputy Director of Department of International Protection and with the UNHCR officials Mr. Abraham Abraham, Kimberly Roberson at the office of the UNHCR at Kathmandu. Resettlement and its pros and cons were discussed during the meeting. Mr. Vincent appraised us about the system and proceedings of resettlement. Bhutanese Refugees were keenly observed by the UNHCR and the resettling countries he said. And it was a genuine humanitarian needs of the Bhutanese Refugees not just to overcome the problems of languishing in the refugee camps he said. 11 RRCC executives participated in the meeting.
May 14, 2007.
Submitted the ‘Memo of Third Country Resettlement’ as proposed by the committee to His Excellency, Graeme Lade, The Chief of Core Working Group, the Ambassador of Australia for information and necessary action.
June 19,2007.
A meet with Hon. Foreign Minister Ms. Sahana pradhan. Discussed about the bilateral talks to take place and the preparation made by the team of Nepal to Bhutan for the talks. Discussed about the deteriorated security situation in the camps and its remedial measures.
June 23,2007.
A mass meeting was hekd in Deepawali hall, in Saatdobato, lalitpur. More than 150 Bhuaanese participants attended the meeting and discussed about the resettlement approach of the resetting countries and the future envisaged by the committee.
June 24, 2007.
Meeting with Dr.Suresh Kumar Chalise, advisor to Prime Minister.Asked for the appoinment with the Prime Minister. We requested the voice of the voiceless refugees to be given audience. Also requested to change the absolete way of holdiing talks with Bhutan.
June 26, 2007.
Meeting with UNHCR officials Abraham Abraham, Kimberly Roberson at UNHCR office Kathmandu. It was informed that UNHCR is not Alfa and Omega of the Bhutanese refugees. Refugees have to find ways and means for their living. We were informed that in most of the refugee resettlement problems are faced by UHNCR due to differences in opinion amongst refugees. From amongst the refugee representatives Ratan Gazmere expressed the concern that UNHCR is not taking its responsibilities seriously as it was supposed to. Security matter was the important point during the meeting.
June 26, 2007.
Meeting at Human Rights Home, Jawalakhel. Dr. Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, Subod Pyakurel and many Bhutanese discussed about the resettlement and its pros and cons. We also discussed the future needs of the refugees for their return to Bhutan from resettled countries.
July 3, 2007.
A meeting was organized at ‘Yala Maya kendra’ Patan by Kanak Maani Dixit to discuss the Bhutanese refugee issue. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Sahana Pradhan, Australian Ambassador Gramae Lade, Chakra Prasad Bastola, US Officer Dewy R. Pendergrass, Abraham Abraham, Shankar Koirala, Dr. Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, Tapan Kumar Bose and distinguished personalities. The meeting was focused on security, information about resettlement and discussed the problems with Bhutan Government. It was unanimously concluded that Bhutanese refugees have to have their right to opt for resettlement and all concerned must work towards this unit.
Mr. Ratan Gazemere,Ashok Gurung,N.B. Giri, Haree Bangaley and S.B. subba were the participants.
July 25, 2007.
We had meeting with Australian Ambassador Gramae Lade, Minister for Immigration Paul Windsor at Australian Embassy. We were informed about resettlement process in Australia. It was learnt that resettlement was almost similar to the US Resettlement. We were assured that resettlement is voluntary and depends upon the interest of the individual refugee.
Aug 10, 2007.
RRCC members met the US Refugee Officer, Dewy R. Pendergrass at Yak and Yeti hotel. We were informed that the US is committed to resettle Bhutanese refugees provided they are interested. We were assured that Nepal Govt. will clear all obstacles to make the way for willing refugees. It was also assured that change of Govt. in Nepal will not affect the refugee matters.
Aug 14, 2007.
We had a meeting with the LWF officer Yedu Lal Shrestha at LWF office Kathmandu. We learnt about the future plans and programs of LWF for the Bhutanese refugees. We were told that LWF is planning ‘Skilled Development Programs’ for Bhutanese refugees. Some of the programs like Computer, Driving and Beautician would be beneficial for the Bhutanese refugees. We expressed our views to carryout the ‘Driving’ program for the Bhutanese refugees as we are capable to carryout such works.
Posted by: Ashok Gurung
Executive member
Refugee Rights Coordination Committee (RRCC)
E-mail: info@rrccbhutan.org/asokgurung@gmail.com
