The exact condition of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali youth held captive by Hamas militants since October 7, 2023, remains unknown, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba said on Friday. His parents have been desperately waiting for his release for the last 17 months.

“Although his condition remains unclear, we will continue our efforts for his safe release,” she told reporters at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu upon her return from the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland. Nepal has been lobbying several Gulf nations and others for Joshi’s safe release.

Minister Deuba has raised the issue at the United Nations, regional forums, and bilateral meetings, calling for international support. On October 7, 2023, Gaza-based Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israeli territory, killing over 1,000 people, including 10 Nepalis. Several individuals, including Joshi, were taken hostage. With ongoing diplomatic efforts, Nepal continues to push for Joshi’s name to be included in any upcoming hostage release negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

“The international community has given assurances for his release,” said Deuba. “We have been making maximum diplomatic efforts for his release.”

Joshi was abducted by Hamas while he was in Israel under the “Learn and Earn” agricultural study programme. He was taken hostage from Alumim Kibbutz. Hamas abducted 251 individuals during the assault, with 94 of them—81 men and 13 women— still in captivity. Many of these hostages have been released, by both sides, but many others are still in the captivity of either Israel and Hamas.

Since the conflict’s escalation on October 7, over 46,800 Palestinians, including more than 18,000 children, have died, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Israeli fatalities have exceeded 1,400. The latest ceasefire between Hamas and Israel that began on January 19 marks a crucial step toward resolving the humanitarian crisis and securing the release of hostages. It was brokered by Egypt and Qatar with support from the US.

Meanwhile, in Geneva, Foreign Minister Deuba participated in the 58th session of the UN human rights council’s meeting and held talks with several counterparts. She urged the international community to support Nepal’s candidacy for membership in the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term. She said this while addressing a reception for representatives of several foreign missions and international organizations hosted by Nepal’s permanent mission in Geneva on Wednesday evening.

“Nepal has been steadfast in its dedication to peace, democracy, and human rights. We have worked tirelessly to protect and promote human rights, and with that commitment, we are standing as a candidate for the UN Human Rights Council for the 2027-2029 term,” she said at the reception.

“We have requested the international community to support our bid and we also reaffirmed our unflinching commitment towards the protection and promotion of human rights,” Minister Deuba told reporters at Kathmandu airport on Friday.

In Geneva, she highlighted the country’s achievements in various sectors, particularly in safeguarding the rights of women, children, and minorities and promoting inclusivity.

“I requested the international community to extend support to Nepal, and many of them have assured us their support,” she said at the airport, calling her Geneva visit highly successful.