Prime Minister Sushila Karki has noted that in recent years, corruption has emerged as a significant challenge. Addressing the ceremony organised by the National Human Rights Commission in Lalitpur on December 10 on the occasion of the 77th International Human Rights Day and the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, she stated that corruption is not just an economic irregularity but also a serious issue that deprives the poor, vulnerable, and marginalised citizens of their fundamental rights. She said, “When any project is affected by corruption, sick citizens are deprived of their right to treatment, students are denied access to quality education, which is why the government is committed to taking strict measures against corruption. Without an environment of transparency and accountability, human rights cannot be protected.”
Stating that the essence of democracy is free and fair elections, Prime Minister Karki emphasised that it is the fundamental responsibility of the state to ensure an environment where citizens can choose their representatives without fear, inducement, or pressure. She said, “The government is working to make the upcoming House of Representatives election more cost-effective, transparent, and technology-friendly, and appeals to all parties to cooperate in ensuring timely elections. The government will also ensure a high-morale working environment for the security personnel deployed during the elections.
Ensuring the voting rights of all adult Nepali citizens, I request that all political parties participate freely and that this democratic exercise is successfully conducted, thereby respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights.”
Prime Minister Karki also highlighted that Nepal’s peace process has inspired the world, while noting that some transitional justice work has been delayed. She said, “Transitional justice cannot be considered complete until victims feel justice has been delivered. Based on recently amended laws and agreements, the relevant mechanisms are expected to bring this process to a victim-friendly and credible conclusion, and the government believes they will succeed.”
She further noted that as the National Human Rights Commission is a guardian institution of democracy, the government has prioritized protecting its autonomy, independence, and effectiveness, and remains committed to implementing its recommendations. Prime Minister Karki stated that the Commission will be strengthened in terms of institutional and physical infrastructure, human resources, and budget management to maintain its ‘A’ category status.
“Climate change has emerged as another challenge to the protection of human rights. Although Nepal has minimal carbon emissions, we are among the most affected by the devastating impacts of climate change. Melting glaciers, unpredictable weather patterns, floods, landslides, and rising temperatures are directly affecting every aspect of our lives, including food security, health, shelter, and education,” she said.
The Prime Minister emphasised that climate change is not merely an environmental issue; it is directly related to human existence and rights. The government is actively advancing national and international partnerships in adaptation, risk reduction, sustainable development, and climate justice. “With the core spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals, the government continues to advance poverty reduction, gender equality, social justice, inclusion, peace, and prosperity. Nepal must fulfill its obligations under international human rights conventions on time, and the government will remain proactive in implementing recommendations and suggestions received from treaty bodies. Priorities include drafting laws to protect human rights defenders, ensuring safe and dignified foreign employment, and developing and implementing the Sixth National Human Rights Action Plan,” she said.
Stating that human rights should not only be legal provisions but also part of our social character, she emphasised that sustainable peace, good governance, development, and prosperity can be achieved only if we collectively integrate human rights into daily life. She extended heartfelt greetings to government and non-government mechanisms, human rights defenders, civil society, journalists, and the diplomatic community working day and night to respect, protect, and promote human rights.
She further explained that human rights are not merely about survival; they include the right to live with dignity, to question state decisions, to enjoy a clean environment, and to access the digital world fairly and safely. She said, “While early concepts of human rights primarily emphasised the right to life and freedom, in the 21st century, the scope of human rights has broadened significantly. Especially, our new generation, Gen Z, views human rights not only as legal texts but also in connection with practical outcomes.
The vigilance exercised by youth through social media and digital platforms is a beautiful manifestation of democracy, and I respect it. The government will move forward firmly to incorporate youth digital rights, privacy rights, innovation, and creative capacity into policy formulation and implementation.”
Recalling that the values and principles enshrined in the Declaration adopted on December 10, 1948, laid the foundation for a human-centered civilisation, Prime Minister Karki expressed heartfelt greetings on the occasion of the day to all Nepali brothers and sisters at home and abroad. The United Nations has declared the slogan for the 77th International Human Rights Day as “Human Rights, the Inalienable Foundation for All of Us.”