Voices from the Refugee:
Bhutanese Refugee Experiences Shared

Lhotshampa

Lhotshampa refers to a group of Nepali people who predominantly resided in the southern region of Bhutan and were ethnically and culturally distinct from the Bhutanese Majority.

The story of the Lhotshampas is a tale of struggle, displacement, and resilience. Their history in Bhutan is intertwined with significant events that led to their eventual exodus from the country.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, tensions between between Lhotshampa community and the Bhutanese government rose due to the policy that then King Jigme implemented; which aimed to preserve the country's unique culture and identity, known as "One Nation, One People" or "Driglam Namzha."

If you are aware of the world history you might be familiar with the slogan Ein Volk, Ein Reich, Ein Führer (One People, One Realm, One Leader!).

2 men and woman standing on brown field during sunset

Exodus

In the 1980s, Bhutan's government implemented a series of policies that aimed to preserve the country's unique culture and identity, known as "One Nation, One People" or "Driglam Namzha." These policies sought to promote the traditional practices and customs of the Ngalop ethnic group, which is the dominant ethnic group in Bhutan.

As a result of these policies, the Lhotshampas faced cultural and linguistic repression. Their dress, language, and religious practices were restricted, and they were often discriminated against in accessing education, healthcare, and government services. The Bhutanese government viewed the Lhotshampas as "illegal immigrants" and claimed that they were a threat to the nation's unique identity.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, tensions escalated, leading to a large-scale exodus of Lhotshampas from Bhutan. Many fled to refugee camps in neighboring Nepal, seeking safety and shelter. The conditions in these camps were often harsh, with limited access to basic necessities like food, clean water, and healthcare.

One Nation, One People

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) intervened and provided aid to the Bhutanese refugees in Nepal. Despite international efforts to find a solution, repatriation to Bhutan proved challenging due to the Bhutanese government's reluctance to accept the Lhotshampas back into the country. The issue of the Lhotshampas became an ongoing international concern, with various human rights organizations and governments urging Bhutan to address the situation and find a peaceful resolution. Over the years, several rounds of talks were held between Bhutan and Nepal, with the involvement of international mediators, but a lasting solution remained elusive.

In the early 2000s, some countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, offered to resettle some of the Bhutanese refugees in their nations. This led to the resettlement of a significant number of Lhotshampas to these countries, providing them with opportunities for a new life and better prospects.

However, even as some refugees found new homes abroad, many remained in the camps in Nepal, waiting for a resolution to return to Bhutan or to be resettled in other countries. As of my last update in September 2021, the situation of the Lhotshampa refugees had not yet been fully resolved, and they continued to seek a durable solution to their displacement and statelessness.

The story of the Lhotshampas is a complex one, reflecting the challenges faced by minority communities in maintaining their cultural identity and human rights amidst changing political landscapes. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation and humanitarian efforts in addressing refugee crises worldwide.