Australian Ambassador and UNHCR Nepal Chief Visit Bhutanese Refugee Camp in Beldangi
Beldangi, Jhapa — Australian Ambassador to Nepal,
Leanne Jooste, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Nepal Chief, Monique Suckan, paid a special visit to the Bhutanese refugee camp
in Beldangi on Wednesday.
Upon their arrival, the camp management committee
welcomed the dignitaries with traditional khada (ceremonial scarf) and tika as
a gesture of respect and hospitality.
Following the welcome ceremony, Ambassador Jooste
and Chief Suckan engaged in an interactive session with representatives from
the Camp Management Committee (SMC) and various Community-Based Organizations
(CBOs).
On behalf of the refugee community, Deputy Secretary
Asha Rai delivered the welcome address and shared her views. Former camp
secretary D.B. Subba, along with community members Asmita Bhujel, Nar Bahadur
Gurung, Kamal Magar, Birkha Bahadur Tamang, Rinzin Dema, and Dil Bhutani, also
expressed their thoughts and concerns during the interaction.
During the program, current Camp Secretary
Sanchahang Subba presented separate memorandums to both Ambassador Jooste and
Chief Suckan. The documents outlined the challenges faced by the refugees and
their expectations for the future.
The visit highlighted the ongoing international
engagement and support for the Bhutanese refugee community, while also
providing a platform for dialogue on their pressing issues and aspirations.