A case study of Bhutanese refugees in Nepal

Abstract

This research mainly focused on the recognition of Socio-Economic and livelihood situation of Bhutanese Refugees in Eastern Nepal. The study was conducted to understand, whether their situation will be one of a root cause of a possible conflict between Bhutan and the Nepal Governments in near future. Empirical data for the study was collected from the three Beldangi Bhutanese refugee camps. Basically, field data was collected from a sample of refugees by using a questionnaire. In additionally interviews and focus group discussions were also conducted. Secondary data were gathered through review of literature. The qualitative and quantitative data analyzed in dual approach. This study didn't cover all the Socio- Economic aspect of Bhutanese refugees. Instead emphasis was on the unemployment situation among the study group. The data explained that lack of economic condition has been changing their livelihood situation. Initially, unemployment has become a main cause to create their unstable economic condition. And also, as the stateless people, they haven't been able to fix with out side and to make relationship with them. That context has created a barrier to find out the government and private jobs from out side. The study mainly found that, this kind of situations has made a vulnerable situation for the young refugees to join the Moist Army against the Nepali Government. As the reason of stateless people they are getting less salary, even the labor context of the out side. Though the authorities made on attempt to address their needs, those have not sufficient to fulfill their actual needs. As the reasons of authorities are reduced the supplements year by year, the refugees have become frustration. Basically, in the unemployment context, they are facing as discriminators. In that sense, the study ensure that, this crucial situation will be one of a root cause to create violated Refugees and it will lead to arise a conflict between Nepal and Bhutan governments in near future.