The Nepali government failed to commit to respecting and protecting the rights of Tibetan refugees in the country during the adoption of its United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) report, International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and its member organization International Campaign for Tibet (ICT) denounced today.
The government “noted” (i.e. did not accept) important recommendations it received from UN member states regarding Tibetan refugees on 21 January 2021, as part of the country’s third UPR cycle. The UPR report of Nepal will be adopted on 8 July, during the 47th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
“Nepal should be praised for hosting thousands of Tibetan refugees for decades, but this is not enough. Sheltering refugees must also mean giving them full protection in accordance with relevant international human rights principles and treaties. The Nepali government must take urgent steps to grant legal status to Tibetans and ensure their fundamental rights are respected and protected.” Adilur Rahman Khan, FIDH Secretary-General
The government failed to accept a key recommendation that called for the registration and verification of all Tibetan refugees, followed by the issuance of identity documents. Lack of documentation is at the root of many of the challenges Tibetan refugees face in Nepal, including lack of access to education, legal work opportunities, or medical and other government services. This lack of legal status leaves them vulnerable to crime and human rights violations with no recourse before the law.
Similarly, another recommendation that called on Kathmandu to step up efforts in the fight against segregation and discrimination of ethnic minorities, including Tibetans, did not enjoy the government’s support.
The government also refused to accept two other recommendations that called for the respect of the principle of non-refoulement. Despite evidence to the contrary, in its response to these recommendations, the government claimed it was abiding by this fundamental principle that stipulates no one should be returned to a country where they would face persecution or danger.
Lastly, the government did not accept all three recommendations calling for the ratification of the 1951 Refugee Convention, and one recommendation that called for the adoption of national legislation in accordance with international standards on the protection of refugees.
“The responses given by the Nepali government during the UPR are insufficient to guarantee the fundamental human rights and the legal status that Tibetans living in the country deserve. The government must commit to further measures to protect Tibetans as well as refugees transiting from Tibet to India.” Kai Müller, Head of the ICT’s UN team
On a positive note, the government accepted many recommendations that, if adequately and effectively implemented, could address some of the human rights challenges that Tibetans face in Nepal. Such recommendations called on the government to: ensure the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly (six recommendations); protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including ethnic minorities (four recommendations); and protect the rights of persons belonging to religious minorities (one recommendation).
On the occasion of the adoption of Nepal’s UPR report, ICT has released an episode of Tibet Talks Europe in which Vincent Metten spoke with French journalist Brice Pedroletti about China’s growing influence in Nepal, which leaves Tibetans living in the country more vulnerable to restrictions of their fundamental rights and freedoms. Click here to watch Tibet Talks Europe #12 – China’s influence on Nepal and its impact on Tibetans (in French with English subtitles).