Sitting in his small hut in the Beldangi refugee camp in Jhapa district, Nepal, Narayan Kumar Subedi feels a sense of relief wash over him. His son, Aasis Subedi, is safe. Aasis is one of four United States deportees who were the subject of Nepal’s Supreme Court landmark ruling on April 24. The ruling directed the government not to deport the four individuals, including Aasis, back to the United States.
For Narayan Kumar Subedi, this ruling is a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak situation. He, along with thousands of other refugees, have been living in the Beldangi camp for years, displaced from their homes due to various conflicts and persecution. The camp, situated in the eastern region of Nepal, is home to over 11,000 refugees from Bhutan and other neighboring countries.
The Subedi family’s journey to the Beldangi camp began in 1992 when they were forced to flee their home in Bhutan. Narayan Kumar, his wife, and their two children, including Aasis, were among the thousands of Bhutanese refugees who were forced to leave their homes due to ethnic and political tensions. They sought refuge in Nepal, hoping for a better future for their children.
However, their hopes were soon shattered when they were denied citizenship and basic rights in Nepal. They were left with no choice but to live in the refugee camp, where they have been struggling to make ends meet for the past 28 years. Despite the difficult living conditions, Narayan Kumar and his family never lost hope and continued to dream of a better future.
Their hopes were rekindled when Aasis was accepted into a resettlement program in the United States. He left the camp in 2011 and started a new life in the US. However, his dreams were shattered when he was deported back to Nepal in 2018 due to a minor criminal offense. Aasis was devastated, and so was his family. They feared for his safety and well-being in Nepal, a country he barely knew.
But their fears were put to rest when the Supreme Court of Nepal intervened and issued a landmark ruling, directing the government not to deport Aasis and three other individuals back to the United States. The ruling was a significant victory for the refugees and their families, who have been living in limbo for years.
For Narayan Kumar, this ruling means that his son is safe and can continue to build a life for himself in Nepal. It also gives hope to other refugees who have been living in fear of deportation. The ruling is a testament to the resilience and determination of the refugees, who have been fighting for their rights for years.
The Supreme Court ruling has also brought attention to the plight of refugees in Nepal and the need for a more comprehensive and humane approach towards their situation. It has sparked a much-needed conversation about the rights of refugees and the need for a permanent solution for their resettlement.
The ruling has also highlighted the importance of the role of the judiciary in protecting the rights of marginalized communities. It has set a precedent for future cases involving refugees and their rights.
As for Aasis, he is grateful for the support and love he has received from his family and the community in the Beldangi camp. He is determined to make the most of this second chance and contribute to his community in any way he can. He hopes to use his experience to advocate for the rights of refugees and bring attention to their struggles.
Sitting in his small hut in the Beldangi camp, Narayan Kumar Subedi looks at his son with pride and hope. He knows that the road ahead may still be challenging, but with the support of his family and the community, they will overcome any obstacles. The Supreme Court ruling has given them a glimmer of hope, and they will hold onto it with all their might.
