Nepal

UNHCR has provided protection and assistance to refugees from Bhutan since their arrival in Nepal in the early 1990s. According to the census conducted in 2006-2007, some 107,000 refugees and asylum-seekers from Bhutan reside in seven camps in eastern Nepal: Beldangi-I, Beldangi-II, Beldangi-II Ext., Sanischare, Goldhap, Timai and Khudunabari.

When the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Norway, Denmark, New Zealand and the Netherlands offered resettlement as one of the durable solutions to the refugees from Bhutan, while UNHCR continues to pursue other durable solution options, the commitment of the Nepal government made it possible to proceed with the successful management of the resettlement operation.

Large scale departures of the refugees from Bhutan to third countries commenced on March 2008, New Zealand being one of the first countries to receive the refugees.

The refugees from Bhutan are mostly of Nepali (referred to as “Lhotshampa” or “Southern Bhutanese”) ethnicity and originate from Southern Bhutan. There are also small numbers of non-Nepali ethnic groups including the Sharchop, Drukpa, Urow and Khenpga ethnic groups.

While the majority of the refugees are Hindus (58%) or Buddhists (28%), the ratio between the main religious affiliations varies between camps. The other two religious affiliations present are Kirat, an indigenous religion similar to animism, and Christianity. Just over 3% of the population reported being Christians while just over 10% are reportedly of the Kirat faith.

Education in camp schools is conducted in both Nepalese and English, following a modified version of the Bhutanese curriculum through grade 10. Beyond grade 10, students are integrated into local Nepalese schools outside of the camps. A number of students have attended higher secondary and university level education in India.

Most of the refugees are farmers or students. Other occupations include teachers (primary and secondary), social workers, tailors, weavers and housewives or housekeepers (mostly women). Although, refugees are not allowed to work, in practice, many work outside the camps, but in doing so are exposed to exploitation in the workplace.

The refugee camps in eastern Nepal are well-organized and the refugees are actively involved in the camp management and numerous community activities. Women are represented in management bodies; however, the community remains predominantly a patriarchal society.  

Immigration officers from the respective resettlement country travel to Damak and interview the refugees. The resettlement country decides to accept a refugee for resettlement according to the laws of that country, and not all refugees who are referred to a resettlement country are accepted for resettlement. UNHCR has a very high acceptance rate for those refugees from Bhutan referred to resettlement countries (over 99%).

• As at November 2009 - Current Camp Population of refugees from Bhutan: 87,136
• Total number of Declarations of Interest in resettlement from refugees: 80,728
• Total number of referrals/submissions made by UNHCR to resettlement countries: 9,348 cases / 51,822 persons
  Total number of departures of refugees to resettlement countries: 4,257 cases / 24,275 persons (to New Zealand: 299 persons).
  
  Rachel Demas(right), Resettlement Officer, Head of Durable Solution Unit, UNHCR Sub Office Damak, Nepal. This article is written in a personal capacity and does not necessarily reflect the views of UNHCR or any other agency.

The common greeting is 'namaste' which is delivered with the hands together below the chin and a small bow of the head.
For yes: shake your head from side to side, and for no: nod your head up and down.
Sharing food is very common.
It is common to slurp your tea and other hot drinks in restaurants and homes.
Nepalese families are extended and patrilineal.
Marital rates are very high. Marriages are generally arranged by parents.
Nepalese culture is rigidly patriarchal, but women's status varies across Nepalese ethnicities.
Take off your shoes before entering a person's home.
Public displays of affection such as kissing may be considered offensive.
You may accept a handshake offered by both male and female, but never offer your hand first to women. Hand shakes are more gentle than firm.
It's considered rude for a man to touch a woman especially a married woman.
It is common to see same sex walking together hand in hand or with arms around each other - it's a friendship gesture.
Superstition is a normal part of life.
More information on Nepali customs and etiquette here.
More information on the human rights of Bhutan here.