In a sobering revelation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) officially confirmed on Thursday the deaths of seven additional Nepali nationals who were fighting alongside the Russian army in Ukraine. This announcement comes amidst Nepal's prohibition on the recruitment of its nationals in foreign armies, with exceptions made only for the national armies of select friendly nations. Tragically, these individuals lost their lives in combat alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Earlier, MoFA had confirmed the deaths of 12 Nepali nationals recruited in the Russian army, all of whom perished in Ukraine. With the death toll now standing at 19, the severity of the situation underscores the imperative for the government to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at repatriating Nepali nationals who have either knowingly or unwittingly joined the Russian military. We commend the recent initiative of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha to engage with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, seeking assistance in repatriating the deceased and ensuring the return of all Nepali nationals recruited by the Russian army. Given the belief that several hundred Nepali nationals have been enticed into joining the Russian army through monetary inducements, it is incumbent upon the government to ensure their safe return. Therefore, we reiterate our call for the government to further intensify diplomatic efforts to repatriate Nepali nationals from Russia and to ensure adequate compensation for the families of those who have lost their lives.

Earlier, a Nepali youth, who managed to escape from the Russian army and return home prior to being deployed to the war zone, disclosed that Nepalis recruited by the Russian army were promptly dispatched to the battleground in Ukraine. This hasty deployment without proper training significantly diminishes their chances of survival. Of particular concern is the prolonged lack of contact with many individuals who have joined the Russian army, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic interventions to repatriate those already enlisted and to ascertain the whereabouts of those who are missing. In this regard, we commend the efforts made by police to dismantle the network facilitating the illegal recruitment of Nepali youths into the Russian army. While a significant number of individuals involved in this illicit activity have been apprehended, law enforcement agencies continue to conduct targeted operations to apprehend additional perpetrators. Additionally, the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) has recently announced its decision to cease issuing work permits to Nepali nationals seeking employment in the conflict-ridden regions of Russia and Ukraine. Furthermore, MoFA has consistently urged Russia to refrain from recruiting Nepali citizens into its military ranks and to repatriate any Nepali nationals currently serving in its army. As part of its efforts to discourage Nepali youths from joining the Russian armed forces, MoFA has mandated that all Nepalis traveling to Russia through specific countries obtain no objection certificates (NOCs) from Nepali embassies and consulates. Previously, NOCs were exclusively issued by the Consular Service Department under the Foreign Ministry for individuals traveling to Russia for purposes other than government assignments, studies under Russian government scholarships, or business ventures.

While these measures are critical in discouraging Nepali youths from joining the Russian army, it is important for the government to make diplomatic efforts to safely return Nepali nationals home. As a matter of fact, Nepal maintains a strict policy against sending its nationals to serve in the Russian army. The government, through an official notice issued on August 1, reiterated its stance, affirming that it does not authorize the recruitment of Nepali citizens in foreign military forces except in the national armies of select friendly nations, in accordance with established agreements. MoFA has also cautioned Nepalis against enlisting in the military services of conflict-ridden nations based on false information or external inducements. Despite diplomatic communications urging Russia to refrain from recruiting Nepali youths and to provide details of those already enlisted, reports persist of hundreds of Nepali nationals serving with the Russian army, many of whom have been out of contact for extended periods. This alarming situation necessitates immediate action by the government to locate missing individuals and repatriate those already serving with the Russian army. We reiterate the call for the government to step up diplomatic efforts to locate missing persons and safely return its citizens home.

 
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• recruited
 
• repatriating