UNHCR to conduct census of Bhutanese refugees

Nepal Govt and the UNHCR have agreed to jointly conduct a census of Bhutanese refugees residing in Jhapa and Morang districts.

Nepal government and the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, have agreed to jointly conduct a census of Bhutanese refugees residing in seven camps in Jhapa and Morang districts of the country.

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"The census is slated to begin on November 15 in Baldangi refugee camp and will be extended to other camps gradually," a statement issued by UNHCR Nepal Office said.

The census team will consists of UNHCR-trained people who will conduct the interviews in collaboration with the Nepalese officials to both count and update basic bio-data and profile of the refugees.

A digital photograph will be taken of each individual refugee with the view to issuing them photo identity cards on completion of the census.

"A reliable census data will help the Government of Nepal and UNHCR provide better protection, security and support to the refugees on the basis of improved documentation on "who is who" and "who is where" to be able to respond to individual needs," said Abraham Abraham, UNHCR Representative in Nepal.

The census is supported by donor countries, including USA, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Norway and New Zealand.