Geneva – In an incredible week of advocacy, the Global Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan (GCRPPB) team again gathered in Geneva, Switzerland, to continue advancing the cause of Bhutanese political prisoners at the United Nations (UN). The team had the privilege of attending the 47th Universal Periodic Review (UPR) session after an independent submission to the UPR report and its presentation during the UPR pre session in Geneva earlier this year.

Marking Bhutan’s fourth review this year, over 25 UN member states issued impactful recommendations supporting the Bhutanese cause for the first time in UN history. These included urgent calls for Bhutan to ratify key international human rights treaties, including the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture (OPCAT), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD). In addition to the ratification of international human rights treaties, GCRPPB recommends that Bhutan: (i) Grant amnesty to the 34 identified political prisoners, (ii) provide the remaining Bhutanese refugees in Nepal with durable solutions, and (iii) establish a national human rights institutions within the nation, as per the Paris Principles. Member states such as Canada, Portugal, Australia, Spain, Chile, Germany, and the United States additionally recommend that Bhutan permit special procedures and relevant organizations to oversee prison conditions.

This development marks a milestone in advancing human rights in Bhutan, as the UPR recommendations have motivated international pressure for Bhutan to address its longstanding human rights abuses. Key demands include amnesty for 34 political prisoners, many of whom have been unjustly detained for decades under harsh conditions, and a durable solution for the remaining Bhutanese refugees in Nepal. Notably, France urged Bhutan to collaborate with Nepal in resolving the status of the approximately 6,500 remaining Bhutanese refugees. Overall, this global recognition strengthens the call for justice, accountability, and reform in Bhutan.

Founded by Ram Karki in 2019, GCRPPB has been consistently advocating for the release of political detainees in Bhutanese prisons using democratic and diplomatic mediums, including advocacy campaigns, public solidarity, international pressure, and strategic negotiations.

During the Geneva trips, GCRPPB has been strategically lobbying with key stakeholders, member states, and key civil society organizations (CSOs) to expand support for its mission. The team successfully built partnerships with influential member states and CSOs optimistic about leveraging their expertise and networks to advance the campaign’s goals. By working together with member states and CSOs, GCRPPB is hopeful to create a roadmap for long-term solutions for both the political prisoners and the remaining Bhutanese refugees.

These developments represent a significant turning point in the fight for justice and human rights in Bhutan. With continued international pressure, there is hope that a resolution is within reach for the political prisoners and refugees who have endured suffering for far too long.

The six-member GCRPPB Geneva team comprised its USA-based youth advocates: CM Nirola, Srijana Sapkota, Divya Chuwan, Ashika Dhaurali, Bishal Upreti, and Ayushma Neopaney.

GCRPPB further expressed its gratitude and appreciation to all the Bhutanese community members who contributed their financial support to make this Geneva Mission successful and hopes such support continues in the future.