Acknowledging oppression, forced eviction, and suffering experienced by tens of thousands of Bhutanese citizens during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and encouraging steps toward justice, reconciliation, and lasting peace.

Summary

Declares congressional findings about historical human rights abuses, forced displacement, detention, and denial of citizenship affecting Nepali-language-speaking Bhutanese (including Lhotshampas and Sharchops), and recognizes the long-term refugee situation in Nepal and resettlement of many refugees to other countries. Notes the lack of formal U.S.-Bhutan diplomatic relations, Bhutan’s political and environmental developments, and its role as an Indo-Pacific partner while expressing concern for affected people and awareness of the issue.

• Documents historical human rights abuses and forced displacement of Nepali-language-speaking Bhutanese (Lhotshampas and Sharchops).
• Highlights prolonged refugee camps in Nepal and that thousands still live in those camps.
• States that Bhutan denied repatriation and citizenship reinstatement to over 250,000 Nepali-speaking Lhotshampa inside Bhutan.
• Recognizes resettlement of many Bhutanese refugees to countries including the United States.
• Notes that the United States and Bhutan lack formal diplomatic relations but maintain informal ties.
• Mentions Bhutan’s 2008 transition to democracy and its environmental leadership (carbon-negative status).
• Describes Bhutan as a supportive Indo-Pacific partner committed to the rules-based international order.
• Is a declaratory resolution that expresses findings and concern but does not create funding or legal obligations.