Bhutan set for second UPR in Geneva

The tough questions probably this time for Bhutan would be proselytising charge against Christians in recent years along side refugee issue as it goes for second period review today.

Bhutan is scheduled for its Universal Period Review (UPR), carried out by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) working group today afternoon (local time) in Geneva.

In 2009 review Bhutan accepted 75 of the 99 recommendations made in 2009 review and agreed to work towards fulfilling those recommendations. Today’s review will see if the country really made any progress. Bhutan indirectly had denied any wrongdoing in creating big refugee problem in South Asia.

Three reports will make up its presentation. The government will present a national report, while two more reports, both compilations of information obtained from treaty bodies and special procedures, and stakeholders, will also be submitted.

During its 13th session, HRC pointed out that Bhutan must not depend on other countries to take full responsibility of the “people in the camps”, and voluntarily repatriate genuine Bhutanese nationals.

Bhutan has not abide by the recommendations to extend an invitation to the UN special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief to visit Bhutan, ratification of all core human rights treaties, and establishing an independent human rights institution, among others.

Bhutan did not accept, but agreed to consider a recommendation to set up, an independent human rights institution.