KATHMANDU: The 79th United Nations General Assembly is being attended by Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Nepal. She has pushed the international community to act to secure the safe release of Bipin Joshi, a student from Nepal who is purportedly being held captive by Hamas, throughout her tour.

During the Non-Aligned Movement's Ministerial Meeting, she underlined the importance of Joshi's release, saying that Nepal is ready for his return and is asking for international assistance in this regard.

Joshi's situation worsened after a Hamas strike on Israel on October 7, 2023, claimed the lives of eleven Nepalis. He was taken prisoner following this heated altercation.

Minister Rana underlined the demands of the Nepalese government for Joshi's safe return while denouncing the Hamas raid. She emphasized the significance of international cooperation in bringing about world peace.

She voiced concern about the growing number of wars occurring globally, emphasizing the urgent need to shield populations from armed conflicts, which are frighteningly common in today's society.

Dr. Rana lamented the failure of international efforts to stop wars, restore peace, and provide hope, despite significant resources being directed towards these goals. 

As she celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, she pointed out that strong nations are either ignoring or misinterpreting the rules intended to protect civilians.

The Minister advocated the release of captives and demanded an urgent truce in all ongoing hostilities, including the battles in Russia and Ukraine as well as Israel and Palestine.

In order to ensure responsibility for breaking international humanitarian and human rights rules, she also emphasized how important it is for all parties participating in conflicts to abide by them.

The attacks on civilians, including UN representatives, aid workers, journalists, and medical personnel, were denounced by Dr. Rana as indiscriminate. She deemed intolerable the destruction in Gaza.

She emphasized how the populace is living in continual dread and without basic essentials as a result of the almost complete destruction of vital infrastructure, such as homes, schools, and hospitals.

As a Non-Aligned Movement member, Dr. Rana concluded by restating Nepal's commitment to peace and coexistence and urging the international community to apply pressure on warring parties and seek out creative solutions to problems.