Bhutan--Christian Persecution in Bhutan

Religious Atmosphere:

Bhutan is a Buddhist Kingdom. About 65% of the population practices Buddhism. The Drupka Kaguyupa school of Mahayana Buddhism is dominant in the northern and western part of the country while the Nyingmapa sect of Mahayana Buddhism is practiced in the eastern and central districts. Hinduism is prevalent in the south among people of Nepalese descent. About 30% of the people are Hindus while less than 2% are Christians. An animistic faith called Bon is also practiced in various parts of the country.

Government:

• The government is ruled by a monarchy; there is no constitution. 
    
• Drupka Kaguyupa Buddhism is the official religion. 
    
• Proselytism is illegal. 
    
• Religious groups must obtain a government license before constructing places of worship. 
    
• Buddhist instruction is allowed in schools but instruction in other religions is not permitted. 
    
• Only Buddhism and Hinduism are listed as religions on the national census form.

 Extremist Groups:

• ICC is not aware of any extremist groups operating in Bhutan.

Recent Actions:

• Ongoing - In the early 1990s as many as 100,000 ethnic Nepalese were expelled from the country after new citizenship and marriage laws, in effect, denationalized them. These people continue to live as refugees in neighboring Nepal. It is reported that around 10% of these refugees have since become Christians. Most Bhutanese refugees wish to return to their homes in Bhutan. However, the government has been settling Buddhists from other parts of the country on the land vacated by the refugees. Currently a Joint Verification Team (JVT) compromised of both Bhutanese and Nepalese officials are trying to determine the citizenship status of the refugees.
    
• September 24, 2002 - Forty Christians were arrested and tortured, according to Gospel for Asia. At least two evangelists face lengthy prison terms and another pastor was told to stop spreading the Gospel or authorities would shut off his utilities.
      
• June 20, 2001 – Christian villagers in Tsirang district were summoned to report to the District Administrative office. Upon arriving there, 34 Christians were beaten by the District Administrative officer and 2 other men in an attempt to get them to renounce their faith. The Christians suffered from various injuries including bruised backs, broken ribs, damaged eardrums, etc. Those who renounced their faith were forced to sign affidavits stating that they would perform certain Hindu rituals and would be supervised by the village headmen. The others were given until July 2 to give up their faith or face another beating.
    
• April 8, 2001 - Police went around to Christian churches to register the names of all believers. Pastors were interrogated and threatened with imprisonment.
    
• July 2000 - Bhutan's National Assembly expressed concern about Christian proselytism. It was feared that "unchecked conversion could undermine Bhutan's identity and even its security" by "alienat[ing] Bhutanese values." Possibly as a result of this discussion, in the year 2000 a campaign was launched, ordering Christians to sign an agreement to comply with "rules and regulations governing the practice of religion." Penalties for practicing the Christian faith were also implemented and include: no free education for children, no free medical facilities, no promotions, and no visas for traveling abroad. Christians are reportedly told to choose one of two options: leave Christianity or leave the country.

Prisoners:

• ICC is not aware of any prisoners being held because of their Christian faith.

Suggested Actions you might take:

• Pray for the Christians of Bhutan that they may continue to be protected from harm and that the Christian message may be heard and received by all.
    
• Write a respectful letter to one or more of the government officials listed below. Express your continuing concern for the safety and well being of each Christian community in Bhutan. Request information about what steps the government is taking to ensure their protection and freedom to practice their faith as laid out in the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights documents.
    
• Contact the elected national officials (Senators, Congressman etc.) for your area as well as the U.S. State Department and express concern for the well being of the Christians in Bhutan asking them to make an inquiry into their status.
    
• Please keep us informed of any replies or results you may receive! Contact ICC by email at icc@persecution.org.

Official Contacts:

*We make every attempt to keep up with and reflect changes in the national government of Bhutan and the current human rights situation. We appreciate your feedback if you find any discrepancies in this information. You can contact us by e-mail at: icc@persecution.org. Thanks.

POSTED:  November 27, 2002

ICC Articles on Bhutan: