3. Advocacy on human rights

In 2012, the Foundation’s involvement in human rights activities was mostly at the consultative level. Additionally, the Foundation organised an online campaign against torture, and it worked actively to stop infliction of torture for complete report, please refer to page number 24. Realising the importance of the media on advocacy of human rights activities, the Foundation made a small contribution to the Bhutan Media Society (BMS). This is an attempt to extend our helping hand to the long-term struggle of BMS in order to give continuity to journalism in exile. The media also writes articles outlining some activities of the foundation and we are happy with this reciprocal relationship.

4. Achievements

The Foundation has just started to work on its mission. The journey is long and also challenging. We are happy that we started this mission. We are on track with our mission and we are determined to move ahead. None of these achievements could have been accomplished without the generous support of many of our well-wishers. The most important achievements during the past two years were:

• Establishment of a legal and a functional institute
• Ability to send some poor children to schools
• Bringing the marginalised and victimised women and children together to explore their strengths and contributing to their empowerment
• Establishment of an effective and a functional network and partnership with community based organisations, in Nepal and in Kenya, in order to implement our welfare programs. Attempts to expand the network is an on-going process.!
• Garnering growing trust and confidence of the Bhutanese community in diaspora and gradually that of international community.

5. Exploring future

Bhutanese refugees who are resettled in western countries are going through transition – from living out of humanitarian assistance in the refugee camps in Nepal, to making their own living. Although life in new places and learning of new cultures is challenging, Bhutanese refugees are doing well smoothly and at a fast pace. Amidst the transition, the community have shown strong willingness to support people at need through welfare programs. Punya Foundation now attempts to establish a network of people who intend to help people deserving our support more strongly. In 2013, the Foundation is exploring the feasibilities to extend its pilot-project to other countries in Africa and to Bhutan as well. At the same time, restructuring and expansion of our team and exploring possibilities of registering Foundation in other countries will be our central program this year.