Nepal based Western diplomats visit Bhutanese Refugee Camps

By:Madan Kumar Giri

A delegation of western diplomats led by Norwegian Ambassador to Nepal,Thor Gislesen visited Khudunabari and Sanischare camp yesterday.Seven ambassadors to Nepal were in the delegation that visited the refugee camp,including ambassadors from Canada,Denmark,the United States of America,The Netherlands,the United Kingdom and Australia.

The team first visited Khudunabari refugee camp in eastern Nepal and talked with several refugees including the camp management authorities and enquired about the resettlement programme and its impact in their lives.They also argued the refugees to utilize the resettlement programme as an opportunity to secure their future.As per our Khudunabari correspondent,Mr.Thirtha Khanal,none of the ambassador expressed any concern for repatriation of refugees.

U.S Ambassador to Nepal,Scott H. Delisi also promised to continue their supports for living as long as the refugees stays in the camp.Several refugees from Khudunabari camp submitted a memorandum arguing the donar countries to help create an appropriate environment for repatriation for those refugees who want to go back to their country.

Before visiting the camp,the team also met CDO and Deputy CDO of Jhapa district and discussed the matters on third countries resettlement and argued for their necessary support.They also had a short meeting with the staffs of International Office of Migration(IOM) in their office based in Damak.