Calling again to release Bhutanese political prisoners
Resettled Bhutanese have reminded their host countries through petitions and requests about the plight of the Bhutanese political prisoners. The campaign was part of the assertive advocacy by Global Campaign for release of political prisoners 72nd International Human Rights Day on 10 December 2020.
Petitions were submitted to governments and parliamentarians in eight countries where Bhutanese have resettled, to human rights groups and a copy was sent to The King of Bhutan through post and email.
The petition was also sent to UN Human Rights Council and European Union along with the list of political prisoners currently serving jail sentences. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch were also urged to take action.
In United States of America CM Nirola, Binod Khatiwada and Charan Timsina worked hand in hand to submit a common petition to majority of the US Senators, Speaker of US Congress and several other governmental and non-governmental bodies.
Similarly, in Canada, Naresh Timsina submitted the petition to The Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and local Members of Parliament in the Canadian parliament.
In Europe Ram Karki submitted petitions to UN Human Rights High Commissioner, European Parliament Head of Delegation to South Asia in Brussels, Office of UN Working Groups on Arbitrary Detention in Geneva, International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, Dutch Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman and Vice Chairman, Foreign Ministries of Switzerland, United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway and The Netherlands.
In Australia, I P Adhikari submitted the petition to Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and members of the parliamentary committee on human rights.
In New Zealand Sudharsan Adhikari submitted the petition to the Prime Minister, Foreign Ministry and several parliamentarians seeking their assistance for release of Bhutanese political prisoners.
The campaign petition was signed by 534 individuals from all around the world in support of the release of Bhutanese political prisoners. Campaign thanks everyone involved in the process and seeks support in future activities.