Jhapa CDO Pokharel Pledges to Address Bhutanese Refugee Issues

Damak, Nepal: Jhapa Chief District Officer (CDO) Shravan Kumar Pokharel has pledged to initiate efforts to address issues faced by Bhutanese refugees that fall within the jurisdiction of local authorities and the District Administration Office. He also said matters requiring legal and policy-level decisions would be forwarded to the relevant ministries.

Speaking at an interaction program titled “Discussion on the Problems of Bhutanese Refugees and Possible Solutions” in Damak, Pokharel said he was studying the challenges faced by refugee communities. He noted that recommendations from the program and an interim report presented by Peace Initiative Bhutan (PIB) Co-founder Sudarshan Pyakurel would help identify key issues and explore possible solutions.

Participants highlighted longstanding concerns involving refugee identification, education, employment, social security, family reunification, repatriation and human rights in the Beldangi and Pathari-Shanishchare settlements.

Representatives of refugee communities and human rights organizations called for coordinated action from local, provincial and federal governments. PIB representatives also urged the Nepal government and international community to work toward immediate humanitarian support and sustainable long-term solutions.

The delegation plans to continue discussions with Nepalese government officials and political leaders in Kathmandu to advance dialogue on refugee rights, family reunification and national reconciliation.