The United States Department of State in a statement to Radio Free Asia urged Nepal government to legally register and protect Tibetan refugees. As the Chinese influence over Nepal grows stronger, Tibetan refugees in the country are being strictly monitored to not allow activities that are sensitive to the Chinese government. It urged Nepal follow their domestic laws and international commitments on asylum seekers.
“We urge the Government of Nepal to register and document all Tibetan refugees and ensure the timely implementation of Nepal’s planned registration and verification process of both the registered and un-registered long-staying refugee population.” the State Department said that there has now been no registration of Tibetans living in Nepal since 1995, according to RFA.
Spokesperson of the State Department said that they continue to urge Nepal to follow procedures that are fully consistent with its domestic laws and international commitments, including upholding Nepal’s non-refoulement obligations, as Nepal forced refugees back to the states from which they fled.
Refugee Identification Cards of the country previously recognized Tibetans’ legal right to live in the country but Nepal’s government stopped issuing the cards in 1994, the Human Rights Organization of Nepal noted in a report released last year. “Legal identity documentation for refugees should grant the right to work, own businesses, and ensure equal access to public education, health, social protection and livelihoods,” the State Department said.
Nepal is a key region for the Tibetan refugees both in terms of escaping as well as connecting with those inside Tibet. According to records, as many as 20,000 Tibetans refugees reside in the country and they are facing an increasing restriction there. It has become extremely difficult for the Tibetans escape into exile via Nepal as it is more conveniently heeding to Chinese influences.