Issue Summary
In late May of 2003, Nepalese authorities in Kathmandu deported 18 Tibetan refugees who had fled over the Himalayas seeking human rights and religious freedom. International law, as well as a long-standing “gentlemen’s agreement,” dictates that such refugees are handed over to the UN, which then relocates them in India. As Nepal has a long and admirable history of assisting Tibetan refugees, this act was unprecedented and alarming.
Ethical Traveler’s proposed boycott of tourism to Nepal – launched in partnership with the Tibet Justice Center – was put on hold after the Nepalese government demonstrated its willingness to treat subsequent Tibetan refugees with respect for international law.
The issue is by no means closed. Nepal is still under enormous pressure from neighboring China, which seeks to thoroughly restrict and intimidate Nepal’s Tibetan community.
How Can I Help?
We ask that you sign the attached letter, and send it to Nepal's Ministry of Tourism. It is essential that we keep Nepal in the spotlight until this matter is permanently resolved.
We also ask that travelers planning to visit Nepal do so with open eyes, and with full awareness that Nepal is under scrutiny, having committed serious violations of international law. Additionally, we ask that travelers in Nepal, whenever possible and appropriate, express their concern to Department of Immigration officials, and to other authorities.
We sincerely hope that the above course of action will be enough to keep this crisis at bay. But should the situation change, we hope you will join with us and support whatever actions Ethical Traveler, Tibet Justice Center, and the human rights community endorse.
