In 1996, Bhutan continued as a monarchy without a constitution or bill of rights, with the King exercising strong influence over the government. The year was defined by the ongoing ethnic Nepalese refugee crisis, with approximately 91,000 people remain
In 1996, Bhutan continued as a monarchy without a constitution or bill of rights, with the King exercising strong influence over the government. The year was defined by the ongoing ethnic Nepalese refugee crisis, with approximately 91,000 people remaining in camps in Nepal. While the government officially abolished the compulsory labor tax system in late 1995, it maintained strict restrictions on civil liberties, including the prohibition of political parties and a ban on private television. Credible reports from refugee groups alleged that security forces continued to use torture and intimidation against ethnic Nepalese, and prominent activist Tek Nath Rizal remained imprisoned.Read the full edited Report here.
Published on January 30, 2026
Prepared by https://web.archive.org/web/20011226100316/http://www.bhootan.org/usdept/state_department_index.htm