Refugees are forced to flee their home countries due to conflict, persecution, or threats to their lives and freedom. Unlike voluntary migrants, refugees leave not out of choice but out of sheer necessity, seeking safety and dignity elsewhere. As global displacement rises due to wars, political crises, and climate change, conversations around the rights, treatment, and responsibilities toward refugees have become increasingly urgent. ApEx spoke to three people to find out how they think Nepal and the world should handle the crisis.
Nima Dorje Tamang, 22
I haven’t heard much about refugees in Nepal through news channels or any other form of media. So I’m assuming that not much has been done for them and that there is little to no awareness regarding refugees. I think that we can support refugees through small contributions, either monetary or by providing necessary supplies to the appropriate authorities who can make sure that our contributions are used effectively and responsibly.
Whether countries should open their borders to refugees depends on determining whether a person’s life is actually being threatened or they are just trying to illegally immigrate to a certain country. Refugees just like any other human being must have the basic human rights where they are provided with access to clean water, food, shelter, and healthcare. I believe they must be protected from being returned to the country where they face serious threats. They should also be provided an opportunity to work legally, to support themselves financially, and contribute in the community.
Shakar Acharya, 38
Refugees often have no choice but to migrate in search of safety, stability, and a chance to live a dignified life. When their own country fails to protect them, it becomes the moral responsibility of other nations to step in and provide the security and support they need. Every country, including Nepal, has a humanitarian duty to ensure that refugees are treated with care and respect. Nepal, in particular, has previously offered refuge to people from Bhutan and Tibet. They have been given some level of recognition and respect. But more needs to be done. The government should actively work towards creating opportunities for refugees to rebuild their lives, whether through education, employment, or integration programs.
On a societal level, citizens must adopt a compassionate attitude toward refugees. Instead of seeing them as outsiders, we should be kind and help them in any way we can. I believe borders shouldn’t be closed off to people in distress. In times of crisis, the international community must unite to ensure that those fleeing danger aren’t turned away. Every border in the world should remain open for refugees who genuinely need help, and every country should contribute to the global responsibility of giving them a safe place to call home.
Ratna Kumari Khyaju, 82
The situation of refugees all over the world bothers me. I believe being away from home is never a good thing and that these people suffer a lot on a daily basis. But I also think many people are exploiting the situation and trying to migrate to other countries illegally. This is wrong and should be curbed however possible. In the case of Nepal, I think the government isn’t prepared to handle the refugee crisis. It can’t meet the needs of its own citizens, how will it look after those from other countries?
In an ideal world, everybody should be treated equally. Refugees would be given the same status and respect as any citizen of the country they have fled to. But the world is far from ideal and that is not what happens. For a developing country like Nepal, it would be best to first ensure the right and dignity of its own citizens before looking into those of others.
