Stephane Jaquemet, Nepal chief of UNHCR, today stated the commission has no ground to repatriate refugees from Nepali camps, saying it is up to the Bhutanese government to repatriate its citizens.

He, however, said the commission has been exerting pressure for respectable repatriation of Bhutanese refugees.

Speaking to media persons at the commission’s office in Damak, Jaquemet said the refugees who have settled in a third country can continue the campaign for repatriation to their own country. The UNHCR chief stated that the new generation of refugees is concerned about their future, adding, “So the number of refugees willing to go to a third country is high.”

Jaquemet said he is aware that there are people in the camp who have been leading a miserable life without identity or assistance, adding, ‘’The Nepali Government should take appropriate decision regarding such refugees.’’

He informed that the commission is serious about resettling all the family members in the same country as far as possible.

Jaquemet informed that electricity facility does not fall under basic facility that is supposed to be provided to refugees.

He further informed that the UN commission would work in coordination with Nepali government to develop infrastructure in the refugee camps

Published on: 18 August 2011 | The Himalayan Times