Fr. Varkey, JRS Nepal Director, discusses resettlement with camp residents.

Because the Bhutanese have been confined to camps for so long it might seem that they have lived in idleness. This is not so. In contrast to many refugee camps, the camps in Nepal are striking for the extent to which camp operations, from food distribution to teaching and camp administration, are organized and operated by the refugees themselves. A high proportion of camp managers are women, who play an active role in many areas.

The refugees also place high value on education. JRS, working with Caritas Nepal, has provided children with schooling in English and Nepali through the tenth grade, and in many cases through high school. A strong work ethic and a working knowledge of English should be great assets in building new lives.

• The valuable work experience gained through camp employment and the educational qualifications of individual refugees should be recognized for job placement purposes.

Maintaining their cultural and religious identity is a priority for the Bhutanese refugees.

Respecting Bhutanese Identity

"Will we be able to practice our religion when we resettle? Will there be places where we can worship? Can we cremate our dead as is our custom?" – Devi

"We have formed a political committee to work for human rights in Bhutan. Will we be permitted to continue this work in the United States if we are resettled?" – Usha

"If we resettle in the United States, will we lose our right to ever return to Bhutan?" - Chandra

Perhaps the most emotional questions the Bhutanese ask relate to their ability to maintain their religious and cultural identity after resettlement. Political identity is also important, as some refugees fear that by leaving Nepal they may lose the right to claim Bhutanese nationality.

Seventy-five percent of the refugees are Hindu; most of the remainder are Buddhist. The public practice of Hinduism was suppressed in Bhutan prior to their expulsion, and freedom to practice their faith openly and to have access to temples is a major concern. Certain cultural norms and practices, such as the significance of caste and the tradition of riverside cremations, will be unfamiliar to most Americans and could be a source of anxiety and misunderstanding.

• Efforts should be made to reassure those refugees considering resettlement that they need not give up their legal, religious or cultural identity to do so. Those making placement decisions for these refugees should make every effort to consider the need to maintain cultural continuity and to ensure access to religious services.

A refugee woman oversees food distribution. Many refugees manage essential camp operations.

Supporting Vulnerable Populations

"My wife and I are old and I have lost my hearing. I can no longer work. I don't know how I will survive in America. I do not want to be a burden on my family. Should I stay here in Nepal?" – Ashok

"What will my elderly mother do all day if the family has to work? She is afraid to be alone." – Usha

"I do not know if I can get a job that will let me support both my parents and children. Is there help for a large family like mine?" – Ram