Diaspora Donors Step In to Provide Ration Support for Pathari Sanischare Bhutanese Refugee Settlement
Pathari Sanischare, Morang
– After years of dwindling aid, Bhutanese refugees in Pathari Sanischare are
finally receiving much-needed relief through the efforts of Bhutanese diaspora
donors. Following the complete withdrawal of support from the United Nations
High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 2019, residents of the settlement
have faced worsening health problems, mental stress, and even starvation.
To address the growing humanitarian crisis, the
settlement’s Secretary, Mr. Karan Rai, has coordinated with former refugees now
living abroad to organize regular food distribution for the camp. According to Mr.
Rai, several organizations and individuals from the global Bhutanese
community have pledged to provide ration supplies to all residents, including
registered refugees, non-registered individuals, and others living within the
settlement.
The key donors include Meg Subedi, Founder and CEO
of Sejal and Sisters Foundation and Shadow Foundation USA; Yogesh Nepal; Bhim
Gurung; Mr. Renju Rai, President of Rising Brother LLC; and Dilli Chamlagai.
These contributors, many of whom were once refugees themselves, have come
together to ensure that no one in the camp goes hungry.
The relief plan aims to distribute essential food
items—such as rice, lentils, cooking oil, sugar, and salt—once every 15 days.
This initiative is expected to support all categories of residents, including Registered
Refugees, CA, ASR, and Non-Entry individuals.
Currently, around 1,500 people live in the Pathari
Sanischare Bhutanese Refugee Settlement. The upcoming ration distribution
provides a crucial lifeline for families struggling to meet their basic needs
in the absence of formal international assistance.
“This support is not only for registered refugees
but for every individual living in the settlement who is in need,” Mr. Rai
said. “Our diaspora brothers and sisters have not forgotten the hardships of
camp life, and their generosity is making a real difference.”