EU, HRW & Amnesty International Call on Bhutan to Free Political Prisoners: GCRPPB Welcomes Unprecedented Global Solidarity

Amnesty International (AI) and Human Rights Watch (HRW) have issued a powerful joint statement urging the European Union (EU) to place human rights at the core of its relationship with Bhutan, specifically calling for the release of Bhutan’s long-detained political prisoners. The Global Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan (GCRPPB) has welcomed this remarkable international alignment as a major milestone in its advocacy efforts.

In their statement released on April 14, 2025, AI and HRW highlighted the continued incarceration of at least 32 political prisoners—most from the Lhotshampa (ethnic Nepali) community—who were imprisoned for peacefully exercising their political or religious beliefs. The rights groups urged the EU to leverage its diplomatic influence to press for immediate action by the Bhutanese government.

Support from the European Parliament

This call was further reinforced by a formal letter sent directly to Bhutan’s Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, by several influential Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The signatories include:

• Saskia Bricmont, Chair of the South Asia Monitoring Group
• Barry Andrews, Chair of the Development Committee (DEVE)
• Mounir Satouri, Chair of the Human Rights Committee (DROI)
• Majdouline Sbai, Chair of the GSP Monitoring Group
• Serbia Dimitrie Sturdza, Chair of the Delegation for Relations with Countries of South Asia

In their letter, the MEPs expressed serious concern over Bhutan’s ongoing failure to release these political prisoners, some of whom have spent more than three decades behind bars. They emphasized that releasing these individuals would be a significant and welcomed gesture on the international stage.

“The release of these 32 individuals would be met with nothing but praise from the international community, including the EU, and would positively impact all aspects of our bilateral relations,” the letter stated.

GCRPPB’s Response

In its response, the GCRPPB expressed deep appreciation for this unprecedented convergence of support from international human rights organizations and European lawmakers.

“This is a milestone moment in our campaign,” said Ram Karki, GCRPPB founder and global coordinator. “The clear support from the European Parliament, alongside the principled advocacy of Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, validates years of tireless engagement. It is a sign that justice for Bhutan’s political prisoners is no longer being ignored.”

The campaign urged Bhutan to commemorate the 40th anniversary of EU-Bhutan diplomatic relations in 2025 by releasing the prisoners as a symbolic step toward reconciliation and respect for fundamental rights.

GCRPPB’s Core Demands

The campaign outlined the following key demands:

• Immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners in Bhutan
• Rehabilitation and compensation for victims and their families
• An end to arbitrary detention, torture, and ethnic discrimination
• Meaningful judicial reform and democratic accountability

A Turning Point for Bhutan

With growing international attention, GCRPPB stressed that Bhutan now stands at a critical juncture. The momentum generated by EU lawmakers and global rights defenders presents a unique opportunity for the country to move forward in alignment with its own values of Gross National Happiness—through justice, dignity, and human rights.

“The world is watching,” the campaign noted. “Bhutan has the chance to lead not through silence, but through action and compassion.”