The European Union (EU) is urged to press Bhutan to liberate more than thirty political prisoners, many of whom have endured harsh conditions for decades, as reported by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. With an EU human rights dialogue on the horizon, these calls for action coincide with a troubling UN report highlighting severe violations such as denied fair trials, lack of legal access, and reports of torture.
The UN communication, issued by six human rights experts, critiques Bhutan’s vague legal definitions of ‘treason,’ warning that such laws stifle both human rights and democratic freedoms in the country. Amnesty’s South Asia Regional Director, Smriti Singh, remarks that Bhutan’s image as a ‘land of mindfulness’ starkly contrasts with the reality, where many face persecution simply for voicing dissent. The plight of these prisoners could change if the King chose to act with compassion and courage almost instantly.
As Bhutan pursues enhanced international relationships, including ties with the EU, it benefits from tariff-free access to EU markets under the Everything but Arms initiative. This access is contingent on Bhutan’s adherence to international human rights standards. Consequently, the EU must honour its mission to reinforce these standards by insisting on the immediate release of all political prisoners unjustly detained for exercising their rights, according to the advocacy groups.
Recent attention has turned to 19 individuals whose cases exhibit extreme violations of trial rights, marked by torture and inhumane imprisonment under vaguely defined laws. In 2023, Human Rights Watch identified 37 political prisoners, of whom 32 remain incarcerated, facing sentences that range drastically.
The UN has classified several of these detentions as arbitrary, binding Bhutan to address the allegations. Most prisoners’ cases hark back to the 1990 expulsion of around 90,000 Nepali-speakers, with those opposing wrongful citizenship laws frequently facing gruesome consequences including torture and unlawful convictions. Notably, political prisoners have languished behind bars since the early 90s.
Moreover, the international community has seen the displacement of thousands of Bhutanese refugees; resettlement in countries like the United States has been marred by deportations tied to criminal accusations, contradicting human rights law which protects individuals from potential torture upon return.
Alarming allegations from the UN highlight that political prisoners are subjected to inadequate living conditions, deprived of essentials like food and medicine, suffering in silence without familial contact. The urgency is palpable as memories of previous royal amnesties loom, hinting at the power yet to be exercised by the current King.
While Bhutan has initiated reforms since 2008, the decision to retain political prisoners significantly tarnishes its human rights reputation. Human rights advocates, including Meenakshi Ganguly from Human Rights Watch, insist that international partners like the EU must assert their expectations for Bhutan to release these prisoners without delay, fostering a crucial tone of accountability in the realm of human rights.
The EU is urged to insist on the release of over 30 political prisoners in Bhutan, as highlighted by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. A UN report raised concerns over denied fair trials and torturous treatment of these prisoners. Recent calls also urge the King to exercise his power to pardon, with suggestions that improved human rights practices are critical for Bhutan’s international relations, particularly with the EU.
In summary, the EU’s engagement with Bhutan must hinge upon the immediate release of political prisoners to enforce international human rights obligations. The juxtaposition between Bhutan’s self-portrayal and the harsh realities faced by dissenters highlights a critical need for the King to act. By ensuring the welfare of political prisoners and addressing human rights violations, Bhutan can better align itself with its reformist rhetoric and enhance its global partnerships.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
