In this study, descriptive research design was used to find out the refugee influx in Nepal and its impact on refugee lives and national security of Nepal.
Refugees from Tibet Autonomous Region of People's Republic of China commenced fleeing into Nepal crossing the Himalayas from 1959 till today. The Bhutanese refugees first entered Nepal in 1990 and the number reached 107,810 in 2008. Additionally, remarkable numbers of the asylum seekers from different countries are taking refuge in Nepal.
Quantitative and qualitative data from both primary and secondary sources are utilized in this triangulation study. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 100 Tibetan and Bhutanese refugee respondents. A focused group discussion was carried out with 35 urban refugees and a semi-structured interview was conducted with a subject matter expert.
The study shows that 90 percentage of the Tibetan and Bhutanese refugees are facing various problems: identity, unemployment, health, socio-cultural and religious, access to further education, food, shelter. Refugees are found involved in various frivolities: murder, rape, looting, fake citizenship, fake passport, smuggling and protest including self-immolation. Forty-six percentage of the Tibetan and 47 percentage of the Bhutanese refugees agreed that Nepal is facing different problems due to the refugee influx. The study shows that refugee influx has depressing impact on the internal security of Nepal.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Research Questions
1.4 Objective of the Study
1.5 Significance of the Study
1.6 Conceptual Framework
1.7 Limitation of the Study
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
2.1 Becoming Refugees
2.2 Assorted Consequences of the Refugees to the State
CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Study Area
3.3 Source of Data and Data Collection Plan
3.4 Sampling Technique
3.5 Data Processing, Analysis and Presentation
CHAPTER IV PRESENT STATUS OF REFUGEES IN NEPAL
4.1 Refugees from Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China in Nepal
4.2 Refugees from Bhutan in Nepal
4.3 Urban Refugees in Nepal
CHAPTER V IMPACT OF STATELESSNESS ON REFUGEE LIVES
CHAPTER VI IMPACT OF REFUGEE INFLUX ON NATIONAL SECURITY OF NEPAL
6.1 Frivolities of the Refugees and Consequences to Security
6.2 Impact on Internal Security of Nepal
6.2.1 Involvement in Crimes
6.2.2 Problems in Border
6.2.3 Protests and Problems in Law and Order
6.2.4 Physical Security
6.2.5 Human Security
6.3 Impact on International Relation
CHAPTER VII REFUGEE MANAGEMENT AND SOLUTION FINDING EFFORTS IN NEPAL
7.1 Refugee Management and Solution Finding Efforts of GoN
7.2 International Efforts for Refugee Management and Solution Finding
CHAPTER VIII FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
8.1 Findings
8.2 Conclusion
8.3 Recommendation
Research Objectives and Core Themes
The primary objective of this thesis is to investigate the status of refugees in Nepal, analyze the impacts of statelessness on their lives, and determine how the influx of refugees influences Nepal's national security. The study highlights the tension between hosting displaced populations for humanitarian reasons and the resulting socio-economic, political, and security challenges faced by the host nation.
- Analysis of the current demographic status and living conditions of Tibetan, Bhutanese, and urban refugees in Nepal.
- Evaluation of the security threats associated with refugee populations, including criminal activities and impact on border security.
- Examination of the socio-economic burdens on the host community, such as environmental degradation and competition for resources.
- Assessment of current refugee management efforts by the Government of Nepal (GoN) and international bodies like the UNHCR.
Book Excerpt
6.2.5.2 Political, Socio-cultural and Religious Complexities
GoN had granted refugee cards to Tibetan refugees only once in 1989 to ensure their fundamental needs; i.e. health, education, employment, travel and other facilities but generations of the cardholders are unidentified and deprived of all those basics. Number of monastery is increasing in the country since GoN has facilitating policy toward the socio-cultural and religious matters but high possibility of sheltering can assist "Free Tibet" movement. This can obviously have negative impact on the internal peace and stability, and its effects can create complexities between refugees and host population. As Muslims (Somali and others) living in a Hindu-majority nation, they have to travel several miles to reach the nearest mosque for prayers. Kathmandu's syncretic Hindu-Buddhist culture is hard for them to fathom (Adhikari, 2009). Nepalese authorities have banned the traditional commemoration ceremonies held each March by Tibetans to mark the anniversary of the failed 1959 uprising in Lhasa that led to the flight of the Dalai Lama (Demick, 2015). Abusing the economic vulnerability of the refugees by using them in elections and other criminal activities has definitely socio-political implications. Ensuring civil, political, cultural, ethnical and religious rights of the refugees and asylum seekers is exceedingly huge challenge of GoN.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION: Provides the background of refugee situations in Nepal, establishes the research problem regarding their status and security impacts, and defines the research questions and objectives.
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE: Analyzes existing works on the causes of refugee status and the consequences of hosting displaced populations for the host state.
CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Details the descriptive research design, data collection methods including questionnaires and group discussions, and the sampling techniques used.
CHAPTER IV PRESENT STATUS OF REFUGEES IN NEPAL: Presents data on the current populations, locations, and demographics of Tibetan, Bhutanese, and urban refugees in Nepal.
CHAPTER V IMPACT OF STATELESSNESS ON REFUGEE LIVES: Discusses the empirical findings on how the lack of formal identity and legal status affects the daily lives, education, and health of the refugees.
CHAPTER VI IMPACT OF REFUGEE INFLUX ON NATIONAL SECURITY OF NEPAL: Examines how the presence of refugees contributes to criminal activity, border issues, protests, and general challenges to Nepal's internal and international security.
CHAPTER VII REFUGEE MANAGEMENT AND SOLUTION FINDING EFFORTS IN NEPAL: Evaluates the efforts made by the Government of Nepal and international organizations to manage, settle, or repatriate refugee populations.
CHAPTER VIII FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Summarizes the study’s core findings, provides conclusions on the impact of the refugee crisis, and offers recommendations for future policy and research.
Keywords
Refugees, National Security, Statelessness, Nepal, Bhutanese Refugees, Tibetan Refugees, Urban Refugees, UNHCR, Refugee Management, Socio-economic Impact, Border Security, Human Rights, Repatriation, Resettlement, Internal Peace
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The research examines the refugee situation in Nepal, specifically looking at how the influx of Tibetan, Bhutanese, and urban refugees affects both the refugees' own quality of life and the national security of Nepal.
What are the primary themes discussed in this thesis?
Key themes include the legal and social challenges of statelessness, the impact of refugee populations on Nepal's internal security, environmental and resource pressures, and the effectiveness of current management and resettlement initiatives.
What is the central research question?
The thesis aims to unearth the likely threats to national security posed by the refugee problem in Nepal and assess the effectiveness of the efforts made to manage these populations.
Which methodology was employed for this study?
The research utilized a descriptive, triangulation design, incorporating both primary quantitative data (questionnaires) and qualitative data (interviews and focus group discussions) alongside secondary sources.
What is covered in the core chapters of the thesis?
The middle chapters detail the current population status of various refugee groups, the specific impacts of statelessness on their lives, and a comprehensive analysis of security threats ranging from criminal activity to diplomatic challenges.
Which terms best characterize this work?
Terms such as statelessness, national security, refugee management, Bhutanese and Tibetan refugees, and socio-economic vulnerability are central to the study.
How do Tibetan and Bhutanese refugees differ in the problems they face?
While both groups struggle with legal identity, the study identifies that Bhutanese refugees face significant basic needs challenges like food and shelter, while Tibetan refugees report issues with travel documentation, employment, and political restrictions.
Does the study address the role of international organizations?
Yes, it analyzes the contributions and limitations of international agencies like the UNHCR and IOM in managing refugee aid and the third-country resettlement processes.
What is the conclusion regarding the government's current management approach?
The findings suggest that the current efforts are viewed as insufficient by the majority of refugees, and the researcher recommends a more proactive approach, including clear legislative frameworks and identity documentation.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Netra Bahadur Karki (Autor:in), 2016, Refugees in Nepal. Impact on Refugee Lives and National Security, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/316737
