Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Appeals for Global Support in Securing the Release of Bipin Joshi

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, currently in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, has made an urgent appeal to the international community for the safe release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi.

During a ministerial meeting of the Organization of Non-Aligned Nations on Monday, Minister Dr. Rana drew attention to Joshi’s plight, stating, “Nepal is anxiously waiting to welcome Bipin Joshi,” and urged global cooperation to facilitate his release.

Joshi was kidnapped by Hamas following a terrorist attack in Israel last October that claimed the lives of ten Nepalis among others. The attack resulted in widespread violence and loss of life, prompting the Nepali government to condemn the actions of the group and demand Joshi’s safe return.

In her address, Dr. Rana emphasized the need for a collective effort to establish peace worldwide, highlighting ongoing conflicts and acts of violence occurring under various pretexts. She stated, “We are at a very complicated point in history and must prioritize protecting citizens from armed conflict.”

Minister Dr. Rana lamented the failure of nations to prevent ongoing conflicts and find solutions to war-related issues, emphasizing the importance of the principles outlined in the Geneva Convention, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary. She remarked, “We are ignoring the principles adopted by that convention for the protection of citizens, which must end soon.”

Citing the devastating toll of civilian casualties in Gaza and the ongoing suffering caused by the Russia-Ukraine war, she called for an immediate cessation of violence and urged the global community to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts.

Dr. Rana condemned the killing of civilians, journalists, and health workers, and the destruction of infrastructure, which has forced people to live in fear and panic. She called for innovative solutions to conflicts such as those between Israel and Palestine, and Russia and Ukraine, advocating for an end to violence.

The minister reiterated Nepal’s commitment to the Non-Aligned Movement and expressed hope that all nations would work together toward peace and coexistence. “Let us unite for peace and coexistence,” she said, reinforcing Nepal’s dedication to promoting harmony among countries.