The issues raised during that discussion are still unresolved, underscoring the ongoing relevance of that moment in Geneva.
By Tibet Rights Collective
On 4 November 2015, during Nepal’s Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations in Geneva, a significant side event was held at the Palais des Nations that brought global attention to the situation of Tibetan refugees in Nepal. Organised by the International Campaign for Tibet and the International Federation for Human Rights, the gathering focused on the continuing challenges faced by Tibetans living in Nepal, a community caught between humanitarian need and geopolitical pressure.
Representing the Tibet Relief Fund of the United Kingdom, Tsering Passang addressed the packed room, detailing the hardships experienced by the Tibetan refugee community in Nepal, particularly those without legal identity. Nepali human rights defender Mandira Sharma of Advocacy Forum Nepal joined the panel, with moderation by Vincent Metten, EU Policy Director of the International Campaign for Tibet.
A decade later, the issues raised during that discussion are still unresolved, underscoring the ongoing relevance of that moment in Geneva.
At the 2015 side event, Tsering Passang voiced concerns about the lack of documentation for thousands of Tibetan refugees in Nepal. Many Tibetans were living under the constant threat of refoulement, limited freedom of movement, barriers to education, and restrictions on peaceful expression. These challenges were compounded by increasing China Nepal relations, which influenced Kathmandu’s policies toward the Tibetan community.
The event highlighted:
The absence of Refugee Certificates for most Tibetan refugees
Barriers to education, travel, and employment
The erosion of the long standing Gentleman's Agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Nepal’s growing political sensitivity toward activities seen as related to Tibetan human rights
Mandira Sharma analysed Nepal’s 2015 Constitution, noting that it did not provide clear protections for long term refugees or stateless individuals, including Tibetan children born on Nepali soil.
The discussion made clear that without legal recognition, Tibetan refugees remain unable to fully participate in society, making their future in Nepal increasingly uncertain.
Ten years on, the struggles described in Geneva continue.
Thousands of Tibetans in Nepal still lack Refugee Certificates, leaving them in a state of legal invisibility. This affects their ability to study, work, own businesses, and travel.
Tibetan refugees report growing limitations on cultural gatherings, public celebrations, and displays of identity. As China strengthens its influence in the region, Nepal has tightened its regulations on Tibetan activities.
Due to heavy border controls and surveillance in Tibet, far fewer Tibetans manage to escape into Nepal. Those who do face uncertainty upon arrival and potential pushback at border points.
The once dependable practice that allowed new Tibetan arrivals transit to India has weakened over the past decade, placing new refugees at risk and reducing safe passage options.
These ongoing trends reflect the continued vulnerability of Tibetan refugees in Nepal and the importance of raising Tibetan human rights concerns within international platforms.
Drawing from his own life, Tsering Passang described what it meant to grow up in a Tibetan refugee camp in western Nepal. He recalled how Tibetan students were often denied equal access to higher education due to their undocumented status and were sometimes forced to pay foreign student fees in India.
He also shared personal memories of harassment at the Indo Nepal border in 1995, as well as testimonies from Tibetan women who faced mistreatment at border checkpoints. These stories remain vital in understanding the lived experiences of Tibetan refugees.
The devastating earthquake in Nepal earlier that year caused immense damage across the country. Tibetan settlements, though experiencing fewer casualties, suffered greatly in terms of infrastructure, education, and community stability.
Children experienced trauma, schools remained closed for months, and families struggled to rebuild. Support came from the Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamsala, Tibetan communities abroad, and humanitarian networks, reflecting widespread solidarity.
During the Geneva event, several urgent measures were put forward to the Government of Nepal:
Provide and renew Refugee Certificates for all eligible Tibetans.
Allow Tibetans access to education, employment, and travel without unnecessary restrictions.
Guarantee the rights of children born to Tibetan refugees in line with Nepal’s obligations.
Protect freedom of assembly and expression for Tibetan refugees.
Stop arbitrary arrests related to peaceful cultural or religious activities.
Respect and safeguard Tibetan cultural and religious rights.
These remain essential steps for improving the lives of Tibetans in Nepal.
The Geneva side event demonstrated the power of collaboration between Tibetan voices, Nepali advocates, and international partners. It showed that even communities facing long term marginalisation can be represented in global spaces where their concerns can influence human rights dialogue.
Today, Tibetan refugees in Nepal continue to face uncertainty, but the commitment shown in 2015 remains a reminder that advocacy and solidarity can bring their stories to the international stage.
As we mark ten years since the 2015 intervention at the United Nations, Tibet Rights Collective recognises the continued efforts of all who support Tibetan refugees in Nepal. Their challenges persist, but so does the dedication of those who work to protect Tibetan human rights and ensure that this community is not forgotten.
Tibetan refugees have been part of Nepal’s social and cultural landscape for more than six decades. Recognising their dignity and rights is an essential step toward a more just and compassionate future.