| BHUTAN Kingdom of Bhutan Druk Gyalkhap Joined United Nations: 21 September 1971 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 05/03/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Thimphu
691,141
note: the Factbook population estimate is consistent with the first modern census of Bhutan,
conducted in 2005; previous Factbook population estimates for this country, which were on the
order of three times the total population reported here, were based on Bhutanese government
publications that did not include the census (July 2009 est.)
note: the Factbook population estimate is consistent with the first modern census of Bhutan,
conducted in 2005; previous Factbook population estimates for this country, which were on the
order of three times the total population reported here, were based on Bhutanese government
publications that did not include the census (July 2009 est.)
Jigme Kesar Namgyel
King since 14 December 2006
formally coronated on
06 November 2008
King since 14 December 2006
formally coronated on
06 November 2008
Ascended to the throne upon the abdication of his father Jigme
Singye Wangchuck after 31 year rule.
Next scheduled election: None, the monarch is
hereditary; but democratic reforms in July 1998 grant the
National Assembly authority to remove the monarch with
two-thirds vote.
Singye Wangchuck after 31 year rule.
Next scheduled election: None, the monarch is
hereditary; but democratic reforms in July 1998 grant the
National Assembly authority to remove the monarch with
two-thirds vote.
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Jigme Yoser Thinley
Prime Minister an Chairman of the
Council of Ministers
since 9 April 2008
Prime Minister an Chairman of the
Council of Ministers
since 9 April 2008
Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by the
monarch, approved by the National Assembly, Prime Minister
elected by the Council of Ministers for one-year term
monarch, approved by the National Assembly, Prime Minister
elected by the Council of Ministers for one-year term
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Bhote 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or
migrant tribes 15%
migrant tribes 15%
| RELIGIONS |
Lamaistic Buddhist 75%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 25%
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Monarchy under special treaty relationship with India comprised of 18 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural);
Legal system is based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: The monarch is hereditary; Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by the monarch,
approved by the National Assembly, Chairman elected by the Council of Ministers
Legislative: unicameral National Assembly or Tshogdu (150 seats; 105 elected from village constituencies, 10
represent religious bodies, and 35 are designated by the monarch to represent government and other secular
interests; members serve three-year terms)
National Council elections last held on 31 December 2007 and 29 January 2008 (next to be held by December
2012); Local elections last held 24 March 2008; next election to be held in March 2013
Judicial: Supreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges appointed by the monarch)
Legal system is based on Indian law and English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: The monarch is hereditary; Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by the monarch,
approved by the National Assembly, Chairman elected by the Council of Ministers
Legislative: unicameral National Assembly or Tshogdu (150 seats; 105 elected from village constituencies, 10
represent religious bodies, and 35 are designated by the monarch to represent government and other secular
interests; members serve three-year terms)
National Council elections last held on 31 December 2007 and 29 January 2008 (next to be held by December
2012); Local elections last held 24 March 2008; next election to be held in March 2013
Judicial: Supreme Court of Appeal (the monarch); High Court (judges appointed by the monarch)
| LANGUAGES |
Dzongkha (official), Bhotes speak various Tibetan dialects, Nepalese speak various Nepalese dialects
| BRIEF HISTORY |
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
The economy, one of the world's smallest and least developed, is based on agriculture and forestry, which provide
the main livelihood for more than 60% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and
animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure
difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and
dependence on India's financial assistance. The industrial sector is technologically backward, with most production of
the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor.
Model education, social, and environment programs are underway with support from multilateral development
organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government's desire to protect the country's
environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government, in its cautious expansion of the tourist sector,
encourages visits by upscale, environmentally conscientious tourists. Detailed controls and uncertain policies in areas
such as industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. Hydropower exports to
India have boosted Bhutan's overall growth. New hydropower projects will be the driving force behind Bhutan's
ability to create employment and sustain growth in the coming years.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Bhutan)
the main livelihood for more than 60% of the population. Agriculture consists largely of subsistence farming and
animal husbandry. Rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure
difficult and expensive. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and
dependence on India's financial assistance. The industrial sector is technologically backward, with most production of
the cottage industry type. Most development projects, such as road construction, rely on Indian migrant labor.
Model education, social, and environment programs are underway with support from multilateral development
organizations. Each economic program takes into account the government's desire to protect the country's
environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government, in its cautious expansion of the tourist sector,
encourages visits by upscale, environmentally conscientious tourists. Detailed controls and uncertain policies in areas
such as industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. Hydropower exports to
India have boosted Bhutan's overall growth. New hydropower projects will be the driving force behind Bhutan's
ability to create employment and sustain growth in the coming years.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Bhutan)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
Bhutan's head of state is the Druk Gyalpo ("Dragon King"). Although his title is hereditary, he can be removed by a
two-thirds majority vote by the parliament, the unicameral National Assembly, or Tshogdu. The candidates to the
Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) are nominated by the monarch, elected by the National Assembly. The
members serve fixed, five-year terms. There is also a Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde), members nominated
by the monarch
The Je Khenpo is the highest religious official of Bhutan. He is typically viewed as the closest and most powerful
advisor to the King of Bhutan. The 71st and present Je Khenpo is Trulku Jigme Chhoeda. In 1998, the monarch's
executive powers were transferred to the council of ministers, or cabinet (Lhengye Shungtsog). Candidates for the
council of ministers are elected by the National Assembly for a fixed, five-year term, and must be a part of the
legislative assembly. The cabinet is headed by the Prime Minister, who is the head of government. The post of Prime
Minister rotates each year between the five candidates who secured the highest number of votes. The new
constitution includes provision for a two-party democratic system that was unveiled after four years of preparation.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Bhutan
two-thirds majority vote by the parliament, the unicameral National Assembly, or Tshogdu. The candidates to the
Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) are nominated by the monarch, elected by the National Assembly. The
members serve fixed, five-year terms. There is also a Royal Advisory Council (Lodoi Tsokde), members nominated
by the monarch
The Je Khenpo is the highest religious official of Bhutan. He is typically viewed as the closest and most powerful
advisor to the King of Bhutan. The 71st and present Je Khenpo is Trulku Jigme Chhoeda. In 1998, the monarch's
executive powers were transferred to the council of ministers, or cabinet (Lhengye Shungtsog). Candidates for the
council of ministers are elected by the National Assembly for a fixed, five-year term, and must be a part of the
legislative assembly. The cabinet is headed by the Prime Minister, who is the head of government. The post of Prime
Minister rotates each year between the five candidates who secured the highest number of votes. The new
constitution includes provision for a two-party democratic system that was unveiled after four years of preparation.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Bhutan
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Bhutan cooperates with India to expel Indian Nagaland separatists; lacking any treaty describing the boundary,
Bhutan and China continue negotiations to establish a common boundary alignment to resolve territorial disputes
arising from substantial cartographic discrepancies, the largest of which lie in Bhutan's northwest and along the
Chumbi salient
Bhutan and China continue negotiations to establish a common boundary alignment to resolve territorial disputes
arising from substantial cartographic discrepancies, the largest of which lie in Bhutan's northwest and along the
Chumbi salient
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
None reported
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Bhutan
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Bhutan is a democratic, constitutional monarchy with a population of approximately 700,000. The current king, Jigme Khesar
Namgyel Wangchuck, is the head of state, and executive power is vested in the cabinet, headed by the prime minister, Jigme
Thinley. The civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
Although constitutional democracy has helped to improve the human rights situation in the country;
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Bhutan is a democratic, constitutional monarchy with a population of approximately 700,000. The current king, Jigme Khesar
Namgyel Wangchuck, is the head of state, and executive power is vested in the cabinet, headed by the prime minister, Jigme
Thinley. The civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
Although constitutional democracy has helped to improve the human rights situation in the country;
- difficulties with the regulation of religion and;
- some discrimination against the ethnic Nepalese minority remained.
7 August 2009
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Forty-fourth session
20 July-7 August 2009
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women: Bhutan
Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its seventh periodic report, which was submitted on time and
follows the Committee’s former guidelines for the preparation of the reports, as well as for the consultations it held with different
State institutions, civil society and other stakeholders in the preparation of the report. The Committee regrets, however, that some
sections of the report provide insufficient relevant information, which limited the ability of the Committee to evaluate the specific
situation of women in some areas.
Positive aspects
5. The Committee commends the State party for its transition to a Democratic Constitutional Monarchy in 2008, which provides a
firm foundation for a sustainable and vibrant democracy.
6. The Committee welcomes the National Commission on Women and Children (NCWC) National Plan of Action for Gender, the
first of its kind in the State party, the setting up of a network of Gender Focal Points, including in the armed forces, and the
identification of the issue of gender as a cross-cutting development theme in the 10th five-year plan of the Gross National
Happiness Commission, which also devotes a chapter to women in development.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
9. While recalling the State party’s obligation systematically and continuously to implement all the provisions of the Convention, the
Committee views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the priority
attention of the State party between now and the submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee calls upon
the State party to focus on those areas in its implementation activities and to report on action taken and results achieved in its next
periodic report. It also calls upon the State party to submit the present concluding observations to all relevant ministries, other
Government structures at all levels, Parliament and the judiciary in order to ensure their effective implementation.
Click here to read more »
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
Forty-fourth session
20 July-7 August 2009
Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women: Bhutan
Introduction
2. The Committee expresses its appreciation to the State party for its seventh periodic report, which was submitted on time and
follows the Committee’s former guidelines for the preparation of the reports, as well as for the consultations it held with different
State institutions, civil society and other stakeholders in the preparation of the report. The Committee regrets, however, that some
sections of the report provide insufficient relevant information, which limited the ability of the Committee to evaluate the specific
situation of women in some areas.
Positive aspects
5. The Committee commends the State party for its transition to a Democratic Constitutional Monarchy in 2008, which provides a
firm foundation for a sustainable and vibrant democracy.
6. The Committee welcomes the National Commission on Women and Children (NCWC) National Plan of Action for Gender, the
first of its kind in the State party, the setting up of a network of Gender Focal Points, including in the armed forces, and the
identification of the issue of gender as a cross-cutting development theme in the 10th five-year plan of the Gross National
Happiness Commission, which also devotes a chapter to women in development.
Principal areas of concern and recommendations
9. While recalling the State party’s obligation systematically and continuously to implement all the provisions of the Convention, the
Committee views the concerns and recommendations identified in the present concluding observations as requiring the priority
attention of the State party between now and the submission of the next periodic report. Consequently, the Committee calls upon
the State party to focus on those areas in its implementation activities and to report on action taken and results achieved in its next
periodic report. It also calls upon the State party to submit the present concluding observations to all relevant ministries, other
Government structures at all levels, Parliament and the judiciary in order to ensure their effective implementation.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World Report- 2010
Political Rights Score: 4
Civil Liberties Score: 5
Status: Partly Free
Overview
Bhutan’s new elected legislature passed several new laws in 2009, and declared an end to strict enforcement of cultural traditions
such as the national dress code. While several thousand Nepali-speaking Bhutanese refugees who were displaced in the 1990s have
been resettled in other countries in recent years, 95,000 remain in camps in Nepal.
As part of a major transition toward democracy led by the king, political parties were legalized in June 2007, and elections for an
upper house of Parliament were held in two rounds, in December 2007 and January 2008. Elections for a lower house, the National
Assembly, took place in March 2008. With voter turnout at about 80 percent, the Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (DPT) won
45 of the 47 seats. A new constitution promulgated in July provided for some fundamental rights, but upheld the primacy of the
monarchy, and analysts noted that it did not adequately protect the rights of Nepali speakers.
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck formally succeeded his father as king in November 2008, although he had been in power since
the outgoing king’s abdication in 2006. The monarchy remains highly popular with the public, and many Bhutanese have expressed
reservations about the shift toward democracy.
The new elected political institutions were relatively active in 2009, passing bills related to local governance, tobacco sales, and the
police. In July, the National Assembly declared that Driglam Namzha (traditional etiquette) would no longer be strictly enforced,
instead stipulating that cultural traditions such as the national dress code would be sustained through education alone.
Bhutan is not an electoral democracy, though the 2008 elections represented a significant step toward that status. A European
Union (EU) monitoring team reported that the National Assembly elections “generally met international standards,” although it noted
problems with freedom of expression and association during the campaign. The new constitution provides for a bicameral
Parliament, with a 25-seat upper house, the nonpartisan National Council, and a 47-seat lower house, the National Assembly, both
serving five-year terms. The king appoints five members of the National Council, and the remaining 20 are elected; the lower house
is entirely elected, and the head of the majority party is nominated by the king to serve as prime minister. The cabinet is nominated
by the king and approved by the National Assembly. The king remains the head of state and appoints members of the Supreme
Court, the attorney general, and the heads of national commissions. He can return legislation to the government with objections or
amendments, but once it has been reconsidered and resubmitted, the king must sign it into law.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 4
Civil Liberties Score: 5
Status: Partly Free
Overview
Bhutan’s new elected legislature passed several new laws in 2009, and declared an end to strict enforcement of cultural traditions
such as the national dress code. While several thousand Nepali-speaking Bhutanese refugees who were displaced in the 1990s have
been resettled in other countries in recent years, 95,000 remain in camps in Nepal.
As part of a major transition toward democracy led by the king, political parties were legalized in June 2007, and elections for an
upper house of Parliament were held in two rounds, in December 2007 and January 2008. Elections for a lower house, the National
Assembly, took place in March 2008. With voter turnout at about 80 percent, the Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (DPT) won
45 of the 47 seats. A new constitution promulgated in July provided for some fundamental rights, but upheld the primacy of the
monarchy, and analysts noted that it did not adequately protect the rights of Nepali speakers.
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck formally succeeded his father as king in November 2008, although he had been in power since
the outgoing king’s abdication in 2006. The monarchy remains highly popular with the public, and many Bhutanese have expressed
reservations about the shift toward democracy.
The new elected political institutions were relatively active in 2009, passing bills related to local governance, tobacco sales, and the
police. In July, the National Assembly declared that Driglam Namzha (traditional etiquette) would no longer be strictly enforced,
instead stipulating that cultural traditions such as the national dress code would be sustained through education alone.
Bhutan is not an electoral democracy, though the 2008 elections represented a significant step toward that status. A European
Union (EU) monitoring team reported that the National Assembly elections “generally met international standards,” although it noted
problems with freedom of expression and association during the campaign. The new constitution provides for a bicameral
Parliament, with a 25-seat upper house, the nonpartisan National Council, and a 47-seat lower house, the National Assembly, both
serving five-year terms. The king appoints five members of the National Council, and the remaining 20 are elected; the lower house
is entirely elected, and the head of the majority party is nominated by the king to serve as prime minister. The cabinet is nominated
by the king and approved by the National Assembly. The king remains the head of state and appoints members of the Supreme
Court, the attorney general, and the heads of national commissions. He can return legislation to the government with objections or
amendments, but once it has been reconsidered and resubmitted, the king must sign it into law.
Click here to read more »
Controversial resettlement of Bhutanese refugees
29 January 2008, 02:39PM
n the early 1990s, Bhutan deprived tens of thousands of ethnic Nepalese of their Bhutanese citizenship in order to decrease the
rising influence of the Hindu minority on the Buddhist society. Many of these ethnic Nepalese fled to neighbouring countries to
escape arbitrary arrest and detention in Bhutan. Bhutan does not have a written constitution providing for fundamental human rights
and the ethnic minorities in the country are always in a precarious position. The Bhutanese government denies claims by the
Nepalese minority that they have suffered from discrimination, deportation and repression and points out that they left the country
voluntarily. The refugee community reports that people were violently forced to leave and put under pressure to sign Voluntary
Migration Forms (VMFs). Aita Singh Gurung, a member of the ethnic Nepalese community living in a refugee camp in Nepal tells:
"We were very sad when my father was made to sign the Voluntary Migration Form. The official said we would have to leave
Bhutan within fifteen days. We sold our cows, goats and sheep and came to Nepal. All we brought were four boxes, mattresses,
clothes, three pots and some other utensils. When we arrived we were given rations and plastic [sheeting] by an agency. My house
in Bhutan is now covered by jungle. Nothing in the world can erase my sweet dream to go back to my motherland, Bhutan. I hope
one day I will go back to my country".
For the past 17 years, about 100,000 people stripped of their Bhutanese citizenship have been living in seven refugee camps in
Nepal hoping for return to their motherland. Nepal and Bhutan have been disputing over how to solve the problem without any real
success.
In October 2006, the US government offered to resettle up to 60,000 of those refugees in the USA. But the offer is not without
controversy: part of the Bhutanese refugee community opposes moving abroad and pleads for repatriation or reintegration into the
Nepalese society. Tek Nath Rijal, self-appointed leader of the Bhutanese refugees fiercely criticises resettlement plans and holds that
the USA should pressure the Bhutanese government to repatriate them. Many refugees believe that accepting the US offer “will spell
the death of their dream to return home”. Furthermore, it is unclear what will happen with the remaining 40,000, and an estimated
number of 10,000 – 15,000 unregistered refugees in Nepal.
Click here to read more »
29 January 2008, 02:39PM
n the early 1990s, Bhutan deprived tens of thousands of ethnic Nepalese of their Bhutanese citizenship in order to decrease the
rising influence of the Hindu minority on the Buddhist society. Many of these ethnic Nepalese fled to neighbouring countries to
escape arbitrary arrest and detention in Bhutan. Bhutan does not have a written constitution providing for fundamental human rights
and the ethnic minorities in the country are always in a precarious position. The Bhutanese government denies claims by the
Nepalese minority that they have suffered from discrimination, deportation and repression and points out that they left the country
voluntarily. The refugee community reports that people were violently forced to leave and put under pressure to sign Voluntary
Migration Forms (VMFs). Aita Singh Gurung, a member of the ethnic Nepalese community living in a refugee camp in Nepal tells:
"We were very sad when my father was made to sign the Voluntary Migration Form. The official said we would have to leave
Bhutan within fifteen days. We sold our cows, goats and sheep and came to Nepal. All we brought were four boxes, mattresses,
clothes, three pots and some other utensils. When we arrived we were given rations and plastic [sheeting] by an agency. My house
in Bhutan is now covered by jungle. Nothing in the world can erase my sweet dream to go back to my motherland, Bhutan. I hope
one day I will go back to my country".
For the past 17 years, about 100,000 people stripped of their Bhutanese citizenship have been living in seven refugee camps in
Nepal hoping for return to their motherland. Nepal and Bhutan have been disputing over how to solve the problem without any real
success.
In October 2006, the US government offered to resettle up to 60,000 of those refugees in the USA. But the offer is not without
controversy: part of the Bhutanese refugee community opposes moving abroad and pleads for repatriation or reintegration into the
Nepalese society. Tek Nath Rijal, self-appointed leader of the Bhutanese refugees fiercely criticises resettlement plans and holds that
the USA should pressure the Bhutanese government to repatriate them. Many refugees believe that accepting the US offer “will spell
the death of their dream to return home”. Furthermore, it is unclear what will happen with the remaining 40,000, and an estimated
number of 10,000 – 15,000 unregistered refugees in Nepal.
Click here to read more »
Bhutanese refugees begin new life in Arizona
by Bill Frelick
Published in: Jesuit Refugee Services
June 22, 2009
Ganga Baral is among the first of thousands of Bhutanese refugees who will be arriving in the United States during the next several
years. She and her family arrived this Spring in Phoenix from a refugee camp in the farthest eastern reaches of Nepal, a landlocked
country known to Americans, if at all, as the location for Mount Everest. Ganga, a 32-year-old mother, has lived most of her life in
that camp, a place called Beldangi II. Her child has never known life outside the camp.
I met Ganga in Beldangi II when I was investigating camp conditions for Human Rights Watch last year. Ganga and her friend
Pingala ran a center for children, a thatched hut called the Friendship Library, in which they provided toys, books, and activities to
stimulate their minds and give an outlet for their curiosity and creativity in what otherwise could be a stagnant and hopeless
existence.
I remember the Friendship Center with particular fondness because Ganga and Pingala organized a surprise birthday party there for
my Human Rights Watch colleague, a young Dutch woman named Katinka. The children decorated the library and each made
colorful cards for her. We shared in the children’s joy in an occasion that Ganga and Pingala made possible.
Joy is in short supply in the refugee camps of Nepal. Its inhabitants are ethnic Nepalis from neighboring Bhutan, a tiny Buddhist
country that just this March made the transition from an absolute monarchy to a democracy. But the refugees — and tens of
thousands of the ethnic Nepalis still living in Bhutan — have been excluded from the democratic experiment. In the early 1990s, the
Bhutanese government stripped tens of thousands of mostly ethnic Nepali Hindus of their citizenship and expelled them from the
country. Ganga was 13 years old when she became a stateless refugee.
Now numbering about 108,000, the Bhutanese refugees have been stuck in these camps for more than 16 years. They are
prohibited from working, even inside the camps. As the years have dragged on, services and aid have dwindled. A thick cloud of
smoke envelops the camps from the cheap coal used for cooking and heat. Many suffer from respiratory and skin problems;
women, in particular, are plagued by depression and far too many have been the victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Ganga told me of her life in the camp. “For me, life as a refugee can be miserable. It is very difficult to return to the psychological
peace of my childhood in Bhutan and escape from the cycle of misfortune. Once you have fallen into being a stateless person you
can see no way out. As a refugee, we come across so many limitations and restrictions that after a while it kills our interest and
makes us lose hope, saying let it be.”
Click here to read more »
by Bill Frelick
Published in: Jesuit Refugee Services
June 22, 2009
Ganga Baral is among the first of thousands of Bhutanese refugees who will be arriving in the United States during the next several
years. She and her family arrived this Spring in Phoenix from a refugee camp in the farthest eastern reaches of Nepal, a landlocked
country known to Americans, if at all, as the location for Mount Everest. Ganga, a 32-year-old mother, has lived most of her life in
that camp, a place called Beldangi II. Her child has never known life outside the camp.
I met Ganga in Beldangi II when I was investigating camp conditions for Human Rights Watch last year. Ganga and her friend
Pingala ran a center for children, a thatched hut called the Friendship Library, in which they provided toys, books, and activities to
stimulate their minds and give an outlet for their curiosity and creativity in what otherwise could be a stagnant and hopeless
existence.
I remember the Friendship Center with particular fondness because Ganga and Pingala organized a surprise birthday party there for
my Human Rights Watch colleague, a young Dutch woman named Katinka. The children decorated the library and each made
colorful cards for her. We shared in the children’s joy in an occasion that Ganga and Pingala made possible.
Joy is in short supply in the refugee camps of Nepal. Its inhabitants are ethnic Nepalis from neighboring Bhutan, a tiny Buddhist
country that just this March made the transition from an absolute monarchy to a democracy. But the refugees — and tens of
thousands of the ethnic Nepalis still living in Bhutan — have been excluded from the democratic experiment. In the early 1990s, the
Bhutanese government stripped tens of thousands of mostly ethnic Nepali Hindus of their citizenship and expelled them from the
country. Ganga was 13 years old when she became a stateless refugee.
Now numbering about 108,000, the Bhutanese refugees have been stuck in these camps for more than 16 years. They are
prohibited from working, even inside the camps. As the years have dragged on, services and aid have dwindled. A thick cloud of
smoke envelops the camps from the cheap coal used for cooking and heat. Many suffer from respiratory and skin problems;
women, in particular, are plagued by depression and far too many have been the victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Ganga told me of her life in the camp. “For me, life as a refugee can be miserable. It is very difficult to return to the psychological
peace of my childhood in Bhutan and escape from the cycle of misfortune. Once you have fallen into being a stateless person you
can see no way out. As a refugee, we come across so many limitations and restrictions that after a while it kills our interest and
makes us lose hope, saying let it be.”
Click here to read more »
Keynote Address by H.E. Jigmi Y. Thinley, Prime Minister of Bhutan,
at the International Conference on Deepening and Sustaining Democracy in Asia,
12-14 October, 2009 at Paro, Bhutan.
Excellencies,
For Bhutan, this conference is of special significance, a celebratory event indeed, as it is happening just a year after our country held
its first parliamentary elections and enacted its Constitution to make it the youngest democracy in the world. In a befitting manner,
this conference is being attended by members of the Bhutanese cabinet, parliament, civil service, judiciary, political parties, businesses,
media, and NGOs. No sector of the society is irrelevant to a discussion on democracy, for democracy and good governance are not
and cannot be the function of governments and politicians alone. Being new to the ways of democracy, we look forward to
interacting with all of you from outside and learning from you. I am hopeful that this conference will enrich all of us with a deeper
understanding and knowledge of democracy and how each of us can contribute to its growth and advancement in our countries.
Beyond the walls of this conference hall, our people will be listening to the conversation we have here, as it will be broadcast later for
the benefit of the public. There are also journalists from all the Bhutanese newspapers, and I know that they will share with our people
the insights they gain from our deliberations. I am also certain that the journalists who have taken the trouble to come here from
various other countries will ensure the reach of our endeavour to people beyond the borders of our Himalayan nation.
Bhutan became a parliamentary democracy in a way that is rare, if not entirely unique, in the history of democracies. Democracy for
Bhutan, came not by the will of the people but by persuasion, persistence and sacrifice of a King who believed in the collective
wisdom, the right and capability of the people to shape their own destiny. It came by virtue of our King's faith in the love of his
people for their own country being no less than that of his own immeasurable devotion to his country.
Democracies fail not because of inherent flaws but because they fall in the wrong hands and the people are too feeble to exercise their
power with firmness and unity. People in many developing economies neither understand the power and value of the vote nor are able
to assume responsibilities that come with it. Democracies go wrong not for want of good laws and systems but because of the lack
of democratic culture and polity which must sustain them. Promoting the development and nurturing of democratic culture where it
does not exist is, I believe, the moral obligation of governments and leaders. This is the biggest challenge and the most important
commitment of my government. It is a commitment that succeeding governments must continue with, for raising consciousness and
changing mind-sets and a way of life takes time and persistence.
Click here to read more »
at the International Conference on Deepening and Sustaining Democracy in Asia,
12-14 October, 2009 at Paro, Bhutan.
Excellencies,
For Bhutan, this conference is of special significance, a celebratory event indeed, as it is happening just a year after our country held
its first parliamentary elections and enacted its Constitution to make it the youngest democracy in the world. In a befitting manner,
this conference is being attended by members of the Bhutanese cabinet, parliament, civil service, judiciary, political parties, businesses,
media, and NGOs. No sector of the society is irrelevant to a discussion on democracy, for democracy and good governance are not
and cannot be the function of governments and politicians alone. Being new to the ways of democracy, we look forward to
interacting with all of you from outside and learning from you. I am hopeful that this conference will enrich all of us with a deeper
understanding and knowledge of democracy and how each of us can contribute to its growth and advancement in our countries.
Beyond the walls of this conference hall, our people will be listening to the conversation we have here, as it will be broadcast later for
the benefit of the public. There are also journalists from all the Bhutanese newspapers, and I know that they will share with our people
the insights they gain from our deliberations. I am also certain that the journalists who have taken the trouble to come here from
various other countries will ensure the reach of our endeavour to people beyond the borders of our Himalayan nation.
Bhutan became a parliamentary democracy in a way that is rare, if not entirely unique, in the history of democracies. Democracy for
Bhutan, came not by the will of the people but by persuasion, persistence and sacrifice of a King who believed in the collective
wisdom, the right and capability of the people to shape their own destiny. It came by virtue of our King's faith in the love of his
people for their own country being no less than that of his own immeasurable devotion to his country.
Democracies fail not because of inherent flaws but because they fall in the wrong hands and the people are too feeble to exercise their
power with firmness and unity. People in many developing economies neither understand the power and value of the vote nor are able
to assume responsibilities that come with it. Democracies go wrong not for want of good laws and systems but because of the lack
of democratic culture and polity which must sustain them. Promoting the development and nurturing of democratic culture where it
does not exist is, I believe, the moral obligation of governments and leaders. This is the biggest challenge and the most important
commitment of my government. It is a commitment that succeeding governments must continue with, for raising consciousness and
changing mind-sets and a way of life takes time and persistence.
Click here to read more »
HUMAN RIGHTS & JUSTICE IN BHUTAN
Shadow Report on First Universal Periodic Review of Bhutan
December 2009
Preface
First time in its history, Bhutan is talking human rights with international community. The country that used to advocate for one
culture and one tribal group for Bhutan is now in hot seat to talk on rights of minorities, ethnic groups, women, children etc. The
Human Rights Council will interrogate this tiny Himalayan kingdom, rarely known the world before, on instruments and programs
in the field of protection of human rights of its citizens. In its recent history, the country experienced two mass evictions – one in
early 1950s that went unnoticed and the other in 1990s that drew world attention. Bhutan is the only country in world to evict
largest number of people in terms of its national population. One fifth of the national population today lives as refugees in Nepal and
India. Some of these refugees are being resettled to western countries since 2008.
The human rights violations in Bhutan continue despite the country moves into parliamentary democracy last year. To prove that it
is defender of human rights, a delegation from Bhutan will speak to world community in Geneva on December 4 without actually
mentioning the Bhutanese refugee impasse and the human rights violations in 1990.
Initially we have prepared this report as an alternative report on 'First Universal Periodic Review of Bhutan' at Human Rights
Council. However, the document was not accepted saying it came very late. Thus, we decided to publish the comprehensive
shadow report and it became bulky. We hope this report will help to internationalize the problem of Bhutan and inspire all the
freedom fighters to stand in favor of promoting and protecting human rights of minorities in Bhutan.
1. Introduction
A century old absolute monarchical rule in Bhutan ended in 2008 when the country decided to adopt parliamentary system of
government as a result of increasing international pressure and the democratic movement by Bhutanese citizens in exile
Parliamentary elections were held in 2007 and 2008, and the first elected government was installed in April 2008. For the first time
in its history, Bhutan adopted a written constitution on July 18, 2008. Against the backdrop of these major changes, the country
continues to experiences the bleak picture of human rights and social justice.
Being the newest democracy in the world, there were big aspirations and expectations from the public that new system would heal
the age-old wounds. The first democratically elected government has repeatedly declared that its primary task is to lay the firm
foundations for a democracy that is vibrant, irreversible and best suited to the historical, cultural and socio-political ground realities
of Bhutanese society.
Click here to read more »
Shadow Report on First Universal Periodic Review of Bhutan
December 2009
Preface
First time in its history, Bhutan is talking human rights with international community. The country that used to advocate for one
culture and one tribal group for Bhutan is now in hot seat to talk on rights of minorities, ethnic groups, women, children etc. The
Human Rights Council will interrogate this tiny Himalayan kingdom, rarely known the world before, on instruments and programs
in the field of protection of human rights of its citizens. In its recent history, the country experienced two mass evictions – one in
early 1950s that went unnoticed and the other in 1990s that drew world attention. Bhutan is the only country in world to evict
largest number of people in terms of its national population. One fifth of the national population today lives as refugees in Nepal and
India. Some of these refugees are being resettled to western countries since 2008.
The human rights violations in Bhutan continue despite the country moves into parliamentary democracy last year. To prove that it
is defender of human rights, a delegation from Bhutan will speak to world community in Geneva on December 4 without actually
mentioning the Bhutanese refugee impasse and the human rights violations in 1990.
Initially we have prepared this report as an alternative report on 'First Universal Periodic Review of Bhutan' at Human Rights
Council. However, the document was not accepted saying it came very late. Thus, we decided to publish the comprehensive
shadow report and it became bulky. We hope this report will help to internationalize the problem of Bhutan and inspire all the
freedom fighters to stand in favor of promoting and protecting human rights of minorities in Bhutan.
1. Introduction
A century old absolute monarchical rule in Bhutan ended in 2008 when the country decided to adopt parliamentary system of
government as a result of increasing international pressure and the democratic movement by Bhutanese citizens in exile
Parliamentary elections were held in 2007 and 2008, and the first elected government was installed in April 2008. For the first time
in its history, Bhutan adopted a written constitution on July 18, 2008. Against the backdrop of these major changes, the country
continues to experiences the bleak picture of human rights and social justice.
Being the newest democracy in the world, there were big aspirations and expectations from the public that new system would heal
the age-old wounds. The first democratically elected government has repeatedly declared that its primary task is to lay the firm
foundations for a democracy that is vibrant, irreversible and best suited to the historical, cultural and socio-political ground realities
of Bhutanese society.
Click here to read more »
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Update from Human Rights Organization of Bhutan (HUROB) on Resettlement of Bhutanse Refugees
Almost after 18 years of refugee life in the seven refugee camps in two districts of Jhapa and Morang of eastern Nepal, the
Bhutanese refugees heaved a sigh of relief of new hope to start a new life in new land when resettlement offer came from the core
countries for Bhutanese refugees- USA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, DENMARK, NORWAY, NETHERLANDS and NEW ZEALAND.
With new hope, inspiration and aspirations of beginning a new and comfortable life away from a place where life was idle and
environment was often disturbed by anti-social activities like murder, domestic violence, alcoholism, theft, rape, fight, threat of
stoppage of facilities in the camps et al, Bhutanese refugees decided to take a new journey of life to make a new home in a strange
land with diverse geography, climate, people, language and culture. Most of the refugees have consider the resettlement a windfall
boon whereas few still remaining skeptic and few others holding strong conviction that one must fight for right and go back to
ones own land. On the top of the refugees euphoria of resettlement, the UNHCR motivation and mobilization followed by
documentary film of luxurious home with cars further bewilder the mind of refugees and their message of existence of peace and
tranquility and absence of any violence and threat to life lured the most. Dollar dream, luxurious life and freedom led the refugees
rush for application to the extent that some started postering at night of threat of their life and insecurity (a few cases cannot be
ruled out)so that they should be given priority and process their case fast. Some sold off their landed properties. Not only that there
are rumors even some refugees had bribed and bribing the officials in UNHCR and IOM concern with processing their applications
to expedite fast as if they miss the opportunity of facilities there if they are late.
Perhaps those people who thought that nothing can scathe in the land of their destiny and choice must be wondering when hearing
the news of murder of Bhutanese refugees, attack on Bhutanese refugees, robbing the Bhutanese refugees and mistreatment of
school going children boarding or descending the bus or other places. Therefore, one must remember that everywhere, all is not
well.
The news of murder of Hari Lall adhikari aged 22 years by a gun man on 26th July 2009 near his apartment has shocked the
refugees here in Nepal and pondering why is such incidence taking place in the land of haven supposed to be peaceful with good
people. Hari Lall Adhikari with his parents and two other members residing in Beldangi-II sector B2, hut no. 145/146 left the camp
on 21st March 2009 and resettled in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. As heard he was working in a garment shop.
A few weeks ago there was news of attacked on Bhutanese refugees living in Bronx, New York in Syracuse. According to the
news, eight men attacked Hari Rizal while walking on Syracuse North Side. He had to be taken to emergency room with swollen
eyes and bleeding nose.
In another incidence six men attacked two Odari brothers, Ganga and Tara. One man pulled out a knife and other punched the duo.
Surmising upon the incidences, the above cases are just the beginning and one can fathom what will be the consequences once all
sixty thousand or more Bhutanese refugees are resettled. So far there is no such report from Bhutanese refugees resettled in other
countries but will not be surprising as there is increasing racial feeling in every part of the world.
The Human Rights Organization of Bhutan (HUROB) requests the US government to provide security to the refugees and not let
them become the victims of miscreants. It also expresses its deep condolence to the bereaved family of the deceased and sympathy
to other victims of attacks.
Click here to read more »
Update from Human Rights Organization of Bhutan (HUROB) on Resettlement of Bhutanse Refugees
Almost after 18 years of refugee life in the seven refugee camps in two districts of Jhapa and Morang of eastern Nepal, the
Bhutanese refugees heaved a sigh of relief of new hope to start a new life in new land when resettlement offer came from the core
countries for Bhutanese refugees- USA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, DENMARK, NORWAY, NETHERLANDS and NEW ZEALAND.
With new hope, inspiration and aspirations of beginning a new and comfortable life away from a place where life was idle and
environment was often disturbed by anti-social activities like murder, domestic violence, alcoholism, theft, rape, fight, threat of
stoppage of facilities in the camps et al, Bhutanese refugees decided to take a new journey of life to make a new home in a strange
land with diverse geography, climate, people, language and culture. Most of the refugees have consider the resettlement a windfall
boon whereas few still remaining skeptic and few others holding strong conviction that one must fight for right and go back to
ones own land. On the top of the refugees euphoria of resettlement, the UNHCR motivation and mobilization followed by
documentary film of luxurious home with cars further bewilder the mind of refugees and their message of existence of peace and
tranquility and absence of any violence and threat to life lured the most. Dollar dream, luxurious life and freedom led the refugees
rush for application to the extent that some started postering at night of threat of their life and insecurity (a few cases cannot be
ruled out)so that they should be given priority and process their case fast. Some sold off their landed properties. Not only that there
are rumors even some refugees had bribed and bribing the officials in UNHCR and IOM concern with processing their applications
to expedite fast as if they miss the opportunity of facilities there if they are late.
Perhaps those people who thought that nothing can scathe in the land of their destiny and choice must be wondering when hearing
the news of murder of Bhutanese refugees, attack on Bhutanese refugees, robbing the Bhutanese refugees and mistreatment of
school going children boarding or descending the bus or other places. Therefore, one must remember that everywhere, all is not
well.
The news of murder of Hari Lall adhikari aged 22 years by a gun man on 26th July 2009 near his apartment has shocked the
refugees here in Nepal and pondering why is such incidence taking place in the land of haven supposed to be peaceful with good
people. Hari Lall Adhikari with his parents and two other members residing in Beldangi-II sector B2, hut no. 145/146 left the camp
on 21st March 2009 and resettled in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. As heard he was working in a garment shop.
A few weeks ago there was news of attacked on Bhutanese refugees living in Bronx, New York in Syracuse. According to the
news, eight men attacked Hari Rizal while walking on Syracuse North Side. He had to be taken to emergency room with swollen
eyes and bleeding nose.
In another incidence six men attacked two Odari brothers, Ganga and Tara. One man pulled out a knife and other punched the duo.
Surmising upon the incidences, the above cases are just the beginning and one can fathom what will be the consequences once all
sixty thousand or more Bhutanese refugees are resettled. So far there is no such report from Bhutanese refugees resettled in other
countries but will not be surprising as there is increasing racial feeling in every part of the world.
The Human Rights Organization of Bhutan (HUROB) requests the US government to provide security to the refugees and not let
them become the victims of miscreants. It also expresses its deep condolence to the bereaved family of the deceased and sympathy
to other victims of attacks.
Click here to read more »
Archaeological finds suggest the mountain valleys of Bhutan have been inhabited for several thousand years. The
Bhutanese believe the Lhopu (a small tribe in southwest Bhutan who speak a Tibeto-Burman language) to be the
aboriginal inhabitants of the country, who were subsequently displaced by the arrival of Tibetans of Mongolian
descent. Others consider the identification too narrow, and suggest that various other tribes represent the aboriginal
peoples. The Ngalop, the ethnic group that comprises the majority of the population concentrated in the central and
western valleys, are clearly related to the Tibetans to the north, sharing physical, linguistic, and cultural traits,
indicating that at some unknown time in the past a significant migration of Tibetans arrived over the Himalayan
mountain passes to establish the base of the present population. Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche, is
usually credited with bringing Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan, but two rare sites representing an earlier influence predate
him. Kyichu in Paro and Jambey in Bumthang where built in 659 AD, a century or so ahead before Guru Rimpoche's
arrival, by the quasi-legendary King of Tibet Songtsen Gampo. In the 8th century the Indian Guru Padmasambhava
arrived in Bhutan, bringing Tantric Buddhism (which would evolve into Tibetan Buddhism over the next 400 years).
He establishing a number of temples and monasteries, including the famous Taktshang monastery built high on a cliff
face above the Paro valley and Kurjey Lhakhang in Bumthang. Until the early 1600s, Bhutan existed as a patchwork
of minor warring fiefdoms until unified by the Tibetan lama and military leader Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Escaping political foes in Tibet he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 and initiated a program of fortification and military
consolidation, overseeing the construction of impressive dzongs or fortresses such as Simtokha Dzong which guards
the entrance to Thimphu valley. An insightful leader, he used cultural symbols as well as military force to establish a
Bhutanese national identity, including the initiation of a number of sacred dances to be performed in the annual tsechu
festivals. The Shabdrung also established the dual system of government by which control of the country was shared
between a spiritual leader (the Je Khempo) and an administrative leader (the Desi Druk), a polity which exists in
modified form to this day. After the Shabdrung's death, infighting and civil war eroded the power of the shabdrung
for the next 200 years until 1885, when the Penlop of Trongsa, Ugyen Wangchuck gained an upper hand over rival
forces and sought to cultivated ties with the British in India. The 1870s and 1880s were marked by civil war between
the rival power centers of Paro and Trongsa valleys. In 1885 Ugyen Wangchuck, the penlop (governor) of Trongsa,
gained control of the country and ended the civil war, aided by support from the British (the penlop of Paro being
aligned with the Tibetans). Under British influence a monarchy was formally established on December 17th, 1907
with Ugyen Wangchuck as the First King of Bhutan. This day is celebrated in today as National Day of Bhutan.
Three years later a treaty was signed whereby the country became a British protectorate. The monarchy initially had
to work to gain legitimacy against the machinations of their opponents who promoted the reincarnation of the
Shabdrung as the rightful ruler of Bhutan. The issue came to a head in 1931 when the Shabdrung made an appeal to
Mahatma Gandhi to terminate the Wangchuck dynasty, after which the Shabdrung was assassinated by pro-royalty
agents. Surprisingly, the 3rd and 4th kings of Bhutan both promoted the elimination of their own absolute powers
over the objections of the National Assembly. Beginning in 1969 and lasting until his death in 1972, the Third King of
Bhutan ended his veto power over the National Assembly. Upon his untimely death, the national assembly gave back
the veto power to the king's son, now the Fourth King of Bhutan, who later followed in his father's noble footsteps
by convincing the assembly in 1998 to again formally end the absolute veto power of the king, teaching that it was
better for the future of the country that his powers be circumscribed by theirs. In December 2005 the present 4th
king announced publicly that he will abdicate in 2008 to coincide with the first national election and introduction of
Bhutan's new constitution. He will be succeeded by his son the 5th king of Bhutan who will be 28 years old then. The
present king also announced the retirement age of the kings as 60 years and intends to endorse it in the new
constitution of Bhutan much against the public outcry. Under the direction of Bhutan's third king, Jigme Dorji
Wangchuck, Bhutan adopted a policy of gradual exposure to the outside world. Bhutan gained United Nations
recognition as a sovereign country in 1971. Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the present and fourth king in the line,
ascended to the throne in 1972 at age 17 upon the death of his father. His coronation in June 1974 was the occasion
for inviting a select number of diplomats and guests from around the world to the isolated kingdom, marking the
beginning of regular (if modest) interaction with outside visitors. The fourth king has since shown great skill in steering
his country towards 21st century modernity while preserving the distinctive Bhutanese cultural with its roots in the
17th century. He is best known in the West for his goal of seeking the highest Gross National Happiness for his
country, rather than the more conventional Gross National Product. In 1988 Bhutan was reported to have evicted
over 100,000 Nepali-speaking residents (other reports say 40,000) from districts in southern Bhutan, creating a
large refugee community that is now being detained in seven temporary United Nations refugee camps in Nepal and
Sikkim. On March 26, 2005, "an auspicious day when the stars and elements converge favourably to create an
environment of harmony and success", the king and government distribute a draft of the country's first Constitution,
requesting that every citizen review it. A new house of parliament, the National Council, is chartered consisting of 20
elected representatives from each of the dzonghags along with 5 distinguished persons selected by the King. The
National Council would be paired with the other already existing house, the National Assembly. Per the Constitution,
the monarchy is given a leadership role in setting the direction for the government as long as the King shall
demonstrate his commitment and ability to safeguard the interests of the kingdom and its people. On Sunday
November 13, 2005 soldiers of the People's Republic of China crossed into Bhutan at several points, marching as
far as 20 kilometers into the interior and entering a number of districts including Haa, Paro, Wangdi Phodrang, and
Bumthang. They erected a number of bridges and roads. Later Chinese diplomats would dismiss the objections of
the Bhutanese government, claiming the roads were merely "being built as part of the economic development
programmes for western China". The presence of Chinese military personnel on Bhutanese land is a chilling reminder
of the maps issued by China in 1961 claiming portions of Bhutan as Chinese territory. The 6,000 man Royal Bhutan
Army is no match for the 2,250,0000 man Peoples Liberation Army, so Bhutan must rely on world opinion and the
Indian Army for protection.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Bhutan
Bhutanese believe the Lhopu (a small tribe in southwest Bhutan who speak a Tibeto-Burman language) to be the
aboriginal inhabitants of the country, who were subsequently displaced by the arrival of Tibetans of Mongolian
descent. Others consider the identification too narrow, and suggest that various other tribes represent the aboriginal
peoples. The Ngalop, the ethnic group that comprises the majority of the population concentrated in the central and
western valleys, are clearly related to the Tibetans to the north, sharing physical, linguistic, and cultural traits,
indicating that at some unknown time in the past a significant migration of Tibetans arrived over the Himalayan
mountain passes to establish the base of the present population. Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche, is
usually credited with bringing Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan, but two rare sites representing an earlier influence predate
him. Kyichu in Paro and Jambey in Bumthang where built in 659 AD, a century or so ahead before Guru Rimpoche's
arrival, by the quasi-legendary King of Tibet Songtsen Gampo. In the 8th century the Indian Guru Padmasambhava
arrived in Bhutan, bringing Tantric Buddhism (which would evolve into Tibetan Buddhism over the next 400 years).
He establishing a number of temples and monasteries, including the famous Taktshang monastery built high on a cliff
face above the Paro valley and Kurjey Lhakhang in Bumthang. Until the early 1600s, Bhutan existed as a patchwork
of minor warring fiefdoms until unified by the Tibetan lama and military leader Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Escaping political foes in Tibet he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 and initiated a program of fortification and military
consolidation, overseeing the construction of impressive dzongs or fortresses such as Simtokha Dzong which guards
the entrance to Thimphu valley. An insightful leader, he used cultural symbols as well as military force to establish a
Bhutanese national identity, including the initiation of a number of sacred dances to be performed in the annual tsechu
festivals. The Shabdrung also established the dual system of government by which control of the country was shared
between a spiritual leader (the Je Khempo) and an administrative leader (the Desi Druk), a polity which exists in
modified form to this day. After the Shabdrung's death, infighting and civil war eroded the power of the shabdrung
for the next 200 years until 1885, when the Penlop of Trongsa, Ugyen Wangchuck gained an upper hand over rival
forces and sought to cultivated ties with the British in India. The 1870s and 1880s were marked by civil war between
the rival power centers of Paro and Trongsa valleys. In 1885 Ugyen Wangchuck, the penlop (governor) of Trongsa,
gained control of the country and ended the civil war, aided by support from the British (the penlop of Paro being
aligned with the Tibetans). Under British influence a monarchy was formally established on December 17th, 1907
with Ugyen Wangchuck as the First King of Bhutan. This day is celebrated in today as National Day of Bhutan.
Three years later a treaty was signed whereby the country became a British protectorate. The monarchy initially had
to work to gain legitimacy against the machinations of their opponents who promoted the reincarnation of the
Shabdrung as the rightful ruler of Bhutan. The issue came to a head in 1931 when the Shabdrung made an appeal to
Mahatma Gandhi to terminate the Wangchuck dynasty, after which the Shabdrung was assassinated by pro-royalty
agents. Surprisingly, the 3rd and 4th kings of Bhutan both promoted the elimination of their own absolute powers
over the objections of the National Assembly. Beginning in 1969 and lasting until his death in 1972, the Third King of
Bhutan ended his veto power over the National Assembly. Upon his untimely death, the national assembly gave back
the veto power to the king's son, now the Fourth King of Bhutan, who later followed in his father's noble footsteps
by convincing the assembly in 1998 to again formally end the absolute veto power of the king, teaching that it was
better for the future of the country that his powers be circumscribed by theirs. In December 2005 the present 4th
king announced publicly that he will abdicate in 2008 to coincide with the first national election and introduction of
Bhutan's new constitution. He will be succeeded by his son the 5th king of Bhutan who will be 28 years old then. The
present king also announced the retirement age of the kings as 60 years and intends to endorse it in the new
constitution of Bhutan much against the public outcry. Under the direction of Bhutan's third king, Jigme Dorji
Wangchuck, Bhutan adopted a policy of gradual exposure to the outside world. Bhutan gained United Nations
recognition as a sovereign country in 1971. Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the present and fourth king in the line,
ascended to the throne in 1972 at age 17 upon the death of his father. His coronation in June 1974 was the occasion
for inviting a select number of diplomats and guests from around the world to the isolated kingdom, marking the
beginning of regular (if modest) interaction with outside visitors. The fourth king has since shown great skill in steering
his country towards 21st century modernity while preserving the distinctive Bhutanese cultural with its roots in the
17th century. He is best known in the West for his goal of seeking the highest Gross National Happiness for his
country, rather than the more conventional Gross National Product. In 1988 Bhutan was reported to have evicted
over 100,000 Nepali-speaking residents (other reports say 40,000) from districts in southern Bhutan, creating a
large refugee community that is now being detained in seven temporary United Nations refugee camps in Nepal and
Sikkim. On March 26, 2005, "an auspicious day when the stars and elements converge favourably to create an
environment of harmony and success", the king and government distribute a draft of the country's first Constitution,
requesting that every citizen review it. A new house of parliament, the National Council, is chartered consisting of 20
elected representatives from each of the dzonghags along with 5 distinguished persons selected by the King. The
National Council would be paired with the other already existing house, the National Assembly. Per the Constitution,
the monarchy is given a leadership role in setting the direction for the government as long as the King shall
demonstrate his commitment and ability to safeguard the interests of the kingdom and its people. On Sunday
November 13, 2005 soldiers of the People's Republic of China crossed into Bhutan at several points, marching as
far as 20 kilometers into the interior and entering a number of districts including Haa, Paro, Wangdi Phodrang, and
Bumthang. They erected a number of bridges and roads. Later Chinese diplomats would dismiss the objections of
the Bhutanese government, claiming the roads were merely "being built as part of the economic development
programmes for western China". The presence of Chinese military personnel on Bhutanese land is a chilling reminder
of the maps issued by China in 1961 claiming portions of Bhutan as Chinese territory. The 6,000 man Royal Bhutan
Army is no match for the 2,250,0000 man Peoples Liberation Army, so Bhutan must rely on world opinion and the
Indian Army for protection.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Bhutan
Click on map for larger view
Click on flag for Country Report
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck
Heir Apparent since 14 December 2006
Note: Brother of King, second son of
Jigme Singye Wangchuck
Heir Apparent since 14 December 2006
Note: Brother of King, second son of
Jigme Singye Wangchuck
