In a call to action, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch urge the European Union to advocate for the release of numerous political prisoners in Bhutan, some detained for decades under harsh conditions. The timing coincides with an upcoming human rights dialogue between the EU and Bhutan, following UN concerns regarding these prisoners being denied fair trials, access to counsel, and reportedly subjected to torture.
The United Nations’ communication highlights severe issues with Bhutan’s vague legal definitions of treason, which significantly hinder human rights, stifling civic freedom and democratic engagement. “Bhutan portrays itself as a land of ‘mindfulness’ and ‘gross national happiness’, but UN reports paint quite a different picture,” notes Smriti Singh from Amnesty International, emphasising that the King could change the fate of these detainees with a simple decree.
As Bhutan seeks to bolster international relations and economic partnerships, including ties with the EU, adherence to human rights is paramount. The EU maintains a strategy of facilitating tariff-free access under the Everything but Arms scheme, conditional upon Bhutan upholding its human rights obligations. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch insist on the immediate release of 32 political prisoners as evidence of Bhutan’s commitment to these obligations, echoing calls from key Members of the European Parliament.
UN experts have scrutinised 19 specific cases, highlighting grave concerns regarding violations of fair trial rights, torture, and the inhumane conditions in which these individuals are kept. Human Rights Watch documented 37 political prisoners in 2023; at least 32 remain imprisoned on sentences ranging from 32 years to life.
Many cases date back to 1990, during a mass expulsion of Nepali-speaking Bhutanese, which resulted in widespread human rights abuses. Those remaining who challenged the government faced brutal reprisals, often culminating in coerced confessions leading to unjust convictions that persist today.
Recent events reveal troubling trends, including the deportation of refugees from the US back to Bhutan, potentially exposing them to further discrimination and violence from a government with a history of rights violations. Allegations of mistreatment within Bhutanese prisons, such as inadequate provisions of food and medical care, have surfaced, highlighting the dire conditions prisoners endure.
In light of past royal amnesties, including recent pardons, calls are escalating for Bhutan’s monarchy to act decisively once more, thus reaffirming its commitment to global human rights standards. Experts stress that, despite notable reforms since 2008, the continued confinement of political prisoners undermines Bhutan’s human rights credibility. As Meenakshi Ganguly from Human Rights Watch asserts, international partners like the EU must demand compliance with human rights obligations without further delay.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are urging the EU to pressure Bhutan to release political prisoners, highlighting severe human rights violations including torture and unfair trials. The upcoming EU dialogue with Bhutan presents a pivotal opportunity for advocacy. With an eye on international relations, the importance of human rights compliance is paramount. Calls for the King’s intervention in releasing prisoners reflect ongoing concerns regarding Bhutan’s commitment to human rights.
The European Union’s engagement with Bhutan stands at a crucial juncture, where advocating for the release of political prisoners could redefine Bhutan’s commitment to human rights. With reports of severe mistreatment and violations of fair trial rights, the urgency for action has never been clearer. The international community, particularly the EU, must hold Bhutan accountable, ensuring that human rights remain at the forefront of their evolving relationship, ultimately leading to a more just society in Bhutan.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
