Kathmandu, Sept 24: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, who is in New York of the USA in connection with attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly, has urged the global community to take initiatives for the safe release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student, believed to be in the captivity of the extremist group Hamas.
Addressing the Ministerial Meeting
of the Non-Aligned Movement on Monday, she called attention of the world
community for Joshi's release. Minister Rana said Nepal is eagerly waiting for
Bipin Joshi's release and wanted the world community to support in this
cause.
Ten Nepalis lost their lives in the
Hamas' assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. Hamas had taken Joshi captive
after the attack.
The Foreign Minister said the Government of Nepal condemned the raid by Hamas and it has been calling for Joshi's safe release.
Stressing on the need of collective
international efforts for establishing global peace, she said, "We are at
a critical confluence in history, facing highest number of conflicts. So, we
have to work with high priority to protect citizens from armed
conflicts."
The Minister rued that despite
international efforts, the world continues to fail to stop wars, bring
solutions, restore peace and tranquility, and give hope.
"Even as we commemorate the
75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, the principles designed to protect
civilians are being systematically ignored or misinterpreted by the resourceful
and powerful countries," she said, calling for an immediate end to this
situation, and for all to move forward with peace and co-existence.
Referencing ongoing conflicts such
as the wars in Israel and Palestine, and Russia and Ukraine, the minister
called for an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages and full implementation
of Council Resolution 2735 (2024).
She further called for the urgent
need for all parties to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights
laws, ensure accountability for violations and respect for international law,
including the UN Charter.
Dr Rana condemned the
indiscriminate attack on civilians, including the UN officials, humanitarian
workers, journalists and health professionals, saying the devastation of Gaza
on such a scale and the relentless death of civilians cannot be justified.
She also drew the global attention
to the near-total destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and basic
infrastructure, which has left the entire population in constant fear and
deprived of basic necessities like food, education, health, and clean
water.
Dr Rana on the occasion urged the
international community to put pressure on the warring parties, and find
creative solutions to conflicts. She appealed to the world community to be
united for peace and co-existence, reaffirming Nepal's commitment as a member
of the Non-Aligned Movement. (RSS)