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HRES 1093

Acknowledging oppression, forced eviction, and suffering experienced by tens of thousands of Bhutanese citizens during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and encouraging steps toward justice, reconciliation, and lasting peace.

119th Congress Introduced by Maggie Goodlander and 2 co-sponsors

The bill urges Bhutan to acknowledge past oppression, restore citizenship for Lhotshampa, release political prisoners, and pursue truth, reconciliation, and reparations.

Submitted in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HRES 1093

Summary of H.R. 1093 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)

Title

A resolution acknowledging oppression, forced eviction, and suffering experienced by tens of thousands of Bhutanese citizens during the late 1980s and early 1990s, and encouraging steps toward justice, reconciliation, and lasting peace.

Purpose and Intent

  • Recognize and condemn the oppression, forced displacement, and human rights abuses faced by Nepali-language-speaking Bhutanese citizens (notably Lhotshampa and Sharchop communities) in the late 1980s and 1990s.
  • Encourage actions by the Kingdom of Bhutan to address past injustices, restore rights, and promote peace, reconciliation, and protections for minority citizens.
  • Highlight the enduring humanitarian situation, including ongoing refugee displacement and statelessness issues, and promote broader regional cooperation and adherence to international norms.

Key Provisions and Provisions for Action

The resolution sets forth six primary requests or directives to the Royal Government of Bhutan:
1. Establish Responsibility and Acknowledge Atrocities
- Declares that Bhutan’s government was responsible for political, cultural, and ethnic oppression of Nepali-speaking Lhotshampas, Sharchops, and other minorities in the late 1980s and 1990s.
2. Release Political Prisoners and Provide Redress
- Urges rapid and unconditional release of political prisoners who were detained for demands for democracy and human rights, with due restitution and reparations.
3. Re-engage with Nepal on Residency/Citizenship Claims
- Encourages Bhutan to resume discussions with Nepal regarding the status of individuals in Nepal who claim Bhutanese citizenship or residency.
4. Restore Citizenship
- Requests restoration of citizenship for all Nepali-speaking Lhotshampas whose citizenship was arbitrarily revoked.
5. Voluntary Repatriation from Refugee Camps
- Supports accepting the voluntary return of Bhutanese citizens from refugee camps in Nepal.
6. Truth, Reconciliation, and Peace Building
- Calls for a holistic peace-building and reconciliation process.
- Proposes the establishment of an independent Truth Commission to:
- Publicly investigate human rights violations and abuses from the 1990s,
- Publish findings,
- Implement recommendations to prevent future displacement or oppression of minorities.

Who/What is Affected

  • Bhutan: The government and its policies toward minority communities (Lhotshampa, Sharchops) and the handling of citizenship, displacement, and political prisoners.
  • Nepali-speaking Bhutanese communities (Lhotshampa and Sharchop): Individuals directly impacted by past oppression, statelessness concerns, forced displacement, and ongoing refugee situations.
  • Refugee populations: Bhutanese citizens residing in refugee camps in Nepal, many of whom have sought resettlement in other countries.
  • Nepal: Relations and discussions with the Bhutanese government regarding citizenship and residency claims.
  • Broader international community: As the resolution references human rights norms and potential truth-seeking mechanisms.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on March 2, 2026.
  • Referral: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
  • Sponsorship: Primary sponsor Mr. Hanna (with co-sponsors Ro Khanna, Maggie Goodlander, Summer Lee).
  • No enacted provisions or funding unlocked by the resolution itself; it serves as a formal U.S. House position statement and call to action, encouraging next steps by the Bhutanese government and international dialogue.

Contextual Notes

  • The resolution emphasizes Bhutan as a diplomatic partner in the Indo-Pacific region, while noting the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Bhutan and the United States.
  • It aligns Bhutan with broader U.S. and international concerns about human rights, minority protections, and processes of transitional justice (including truth-telling and reparations).

Potential Impact (Practical)

  • Signals U.S. legislative support for accountability and reconciliation in Bhutan.
  • Encourages Bhutan to consider policy reforms on citizenship restoration, refugee repatriation, and the establishment of a Truth Commission.
  • May influence future diplomacy, humanitarian aid considerations, and regional discussions on minority rights and statelessness.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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