The United States House Appropriations Committee, in its fiscal year 2027 report, has urged the United States Department of State to step up engagement with the Nepalese government to ensure the protection of Tibetan refugees. The panel has highlighted the need for stronger diplomatic efforts to secure the rights and safety of these communities living in Nepal.

A key recommendation in the report is the revival of the refugee registration process. The committee has called for renewed steps to register all Tibetan refugees, many of whom have been without legal recognition since the process was stopped in 1995. According to a report by Phayul, this lack of official documentation has left a large number of refugees in a vulnerable position for decades.

The report also draws attention to what it describes as “growing concern” over the rising influence of the People's Republic of China in Nepal. It warns that this increasing presence has made Tibetan communities more exposed to risks. The committee noted that this influence has contributed to stricter controls on basic freedoms. These include limits on religious expression and cultural practices, as highlighted in the Phayul report.

In its recommendations, the committee stressed the importance of continuing financial support for Tibetan refugee assistance programs in both Nepal and India. It stated that funding levels should remain similar to previous years to ensure that humanitarian aid is not disrupted. The United States has long played a role in supporting Tibetan communities in the region, while also working to counter what it calls “malign influence.”

Financial allocations from recent years were also outlined in the report. Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, about $23 million was set aside for Tibet-related programs. In July 2025, the State Department restored $6.8 million in aid for Tibetan communities across South Asia, including Nepal, after earlier budget cuts. This move was reported by Phayul and was seen as a step towards maintaining consistent support.

For the fiscal year 2027, the committee has proposed continued funding for various initiatives. This includes $10 million for cultural preservation efforts within Tibet and $8 million for refugee and diaspora support programs in India and Nepal. These funds are intended to support both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term cultural sustainability for Tibetan communities.

The report also urged the Secretary of State to encourage Nepal to uphold its commitments to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. A specific focus was placed on the principle of non-refoulement, which prevents the return of individuals to countries where they may face persecution. The committee emphasised that respecting this principle is essential for protecting vulnerable refugee populations, as noted in the Phayul report.

The committee’s concerns were clearly reflected in its statement. “The Committee backs continued funding to support Tibetan refugees in India and Nepal at levels consistent with previous years. It remains a concern that Tibetans in Nepal are unable to fully exercise certain fundamental rights due to agreements in recent years between Nepal and the PRC, which have increased the vulnerability of Tibetans both residing in and passing through Nepal,” the report stated, as quoted by Phayul.

Overall, the report presents a strong message about the need to protect Tibetan refugees and maintain consistent international support. It also highlights the broader geopolitical concerns linked to China’s growing role in Nepal. The recommendations aim to ensure that humanitarian assistance continues while also addressing issues related to rights, recognition, and regional influence.