Lhotshampa

Definition

The Lhotshampa are a Nepali-speaking ethnic minority that was forced to leave Bhutan in the late 20th century due to ethnic cleansing and discrimination policies. This expulsion led to a significant refugee crisis, highlighting issues of civil rights abuses within Bhutan.

Related terms

Ethnic Cleansing:

The deliberate removal of an ethnic or religious group from a certain area by forced displacement, with the intent of making a region ethnically homogeneous.

Refugee Crisis: A situation arising when large groups of people are displaced from their homeland and seek refuge elsewhere, often as a result of conflict, persecution, or natural disaster.

Civil Rights:

The rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality, often protected under law against discrimination or repression