Supreme Court Orders US Travel Permits for Bhutanese Refugee Children
Summary
The Supreme Court has ordered the government to issue exit permits for three Bhutanese refugee children born in Beldangi camp so they can reunite with their parents in the United States. The court said administrative delay and technical objections could not override their rights to family unity and resettlement.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court issued a mandamus order directing the government to provide exit permits for Sonika Angari, Sandhya Angari and Srijan Angari.
- The children were born in Beldangi refugee camp in Jhapa and had sought permits to join their parents in the United States through family reunification.
- The court said prolonged inaction by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the District Administration Office, Jhapa violated substantive rights and international human rights standards.
- The ruling held that technical record issues could not block the permits when paternity and refugee status were supported by certificates and DNA tests.
