Dear Jacky,

As regards to your five questions mentioned in the email dated Mon, 3 April 2000, our response is as follows:

>Q1: Are Bhutanese refugees still getting into Nepal ?

Re Q1 : At the present moment, Bhutanese refugees getting into Nepal is quite negligible.On the other hand, Bhutan and Nepal are now working together for the possible return of the refugees which have become economic burden to Nepal.

>Q2: How many refugee camps are there ?

Re Q2: Presently there are about 90,000 Bhutanese refugees residing in 8 camps in Jhapa and Morang ditricts of Nepal.

>Q3: How old is the oldest camp ?

Re Q3: The Bhutanese asylum-seekers began arriving in Nepal in 1990, citing ethnic persecution and forced evacuation as major reasons for their plight.

>Q4: Are these camps still considered as "temporary camps" or
>have they been converted into settlements for the refugees to live in Nepal ?

Re Q4: In the hope that Bhutanese refugees will return to their country, all the 8 camps are still considered as " temporary camps" that are made with bamboo and thatched roof.

>Q5: Is your project at Ward No. 1 the first of its kind  for the
>refugee camps on latrine-cum-biogas plant ?

Re Q5: Yes, this is first pilot project of its kind sponsored by UNHCR for the benefit of the refugee affected area.

We would like to welcome you for further querries regarding Bhutanese refugees.

Best regards
Amrit & Upendra