A recent United Nations (UN) report has implicated Bhutan in serious human rights violations, particularly regarding its treatment of Nepali-speaking minorities. The report accuses the Himalayan kingdom of imprisoning political detainees—primarily ethnic Nepali individuals—without parole, raising concerns over violations of international law.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention released its findings this week, urging Bhutan to uphold human rights standards and reconsider its “one nation, one people” policy, which critics say marginalizes ethnic minorities.
UN Highlights Rights Violations in Bhutan
The report details the 2008 arrests of three Nepali-speaking men—Birkha Bahadur Chhetri, Kumar Gautam, and Sunman Gurung—who were reportedly detained on political grounds. The UN Working Group concluded that their imprisonment was discriminatory, stating they were targeted due to their political beliefs and status as members of a linguistic minority.
The group further noted patterns of discrimination against ethnic Nepali individuals in Bhutan, citing past human rights concerns and Bhutan’s long history of suppressing linguistic and cultural diversity.
Bhutan’s Silence on Allegations
Despite repeated communications from the UN, the Bhutanese government has yet to respond to the allegations or clarify the legal basis for these detentions. International human rights organizations have also voiced their concerns, urging Bhutan to release all political prisoners and improve conditions for detainees.
Historical Context: The Lhotshampa Exodus
The recent UN findings revive discussions about Bhutan’s past actions against its Nepali-speaking population. Between the late 1980s and 1990s, Bhutan expelled approximately 100,000 Lhotshampas—ethnic Nepali residents—forcing them to seek refuge in Nepal. Most were later resettled in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia between 2007 and 2016.
Ongoing Concerns for Political Prisoners
Human Rights Watch and the Global Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan have identified at least 37 individuals still detained in Bhutanese prisons on political grounds. While five were released after serving lengthy sentences, reports indicate that the remaining prisoners are held under dire conditions, lacking adequate food, clothing, and medical care.
Calls for Action from the International Community
Human rights organizations continue to pressure Bhutan’s international partners to hold the country accountable.
“Bhutan’s international allies must urge the government to release all political prisoners immediately and ensure fair treatment of ethnic minorities,” Human Rights Watch stated in its latest report.
Despite Bhutan’s global image as a nation prioritizing Gross National Happiness, the allegations cast a shadow over its human rights record. The UN and other advocacy groups emphasize that true national happiness cannot be achieved without justice and equality for all citizens.
