DANGEROUS CROSSING: - International Campaign for Tibet

DANGEROUS CROSSINGS: CONDITIONS IMPACTING THE FLIGHT OF TIBETAN REFUGEES, 2011
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an Electra shop, a small wool factory, a livestock shop and now I
am thinking of setting up an essential oil factory. Every morning
I volunteer to lead football training sessions for young Tibetan
kids.” 175
The combination of conflict, politics and Chinese interest in Nepal
means that the common Tibetan refugee experience is a life of
economic uncertainty. The effects of this are felt throughout the
refugee community, by the young and the old. Refugee leader
Sonam Sangpo explains that “for the elder generation it is very
difficult to adjust to a new environment [in Nepal]; losing their
identity, culture and lifestyle. From being a nomad living without
neighbors, living freely [in Tibet], now living in a small settlement
[in Nepal], life is very difficult. If the children have a good income
and can support the family, that would bring less worries to their
parents. But [because this isn’t usually possible] mentally there is
no way to support.” 176
The pressure to provide, particularly under these circumstances,
weighs heavily on young shoulders. Tenzin Kunga, a young man
in Paljorling, Pokhara, told ICT: “In the last couple of years I have
realized that living in Nepal is difficult” says Tenzin Kunga of Paljorling,
Pokhara. “The pressure of taking care of my family with
no good opportunities is difficult to live with. The small salary we
can earn is hardly enough now that the price of food and lodging
is getting more and more expensive.” 177
As a result of the economic deadlock in which most Tibetans find
themselves, many look outside Nepal for assistance. Remittances
- funds sent from relatives living or studying overseas – form
a substantial part of the refugee economy. Some refugees also
have foreign sponsors, often arranged through Buddhist organizations
or international NGOs. Karma Dorjee, a student from
Pokhara, explains: “I am now in my second year of BA Computer
Applications at a private college. Half of the college fee is paid
by the foreign NGO Green Tara, the other half is paid by me.” 178
While money from external sources sustains much of the refugee
population, it is for the most part borne of personal relationships
and certainly not a solution for all Tibetan refugees in Nepal.
Some refugees believe that remittances may even exacerbate
the employment problem. “Many Tibetans are jobless” Kunsang