No country can call it a democratic welfare state if its citizens cannot savour freedoms and rights that ensure its democratic credentials of the country. A democratic state plays a constructive role to guarantee every right and freedom to its people, irrespective of their status in society. Everyone acknowledges that freedoms for relishing rights allow people to attain a higher degree of prosperity and happiness. Prosperous and happy populace, in turn, may help a nation achieve optimum progress and create a positive image.

A democratic and welfare nation must ensure all rights of the people. Rights to live and pursue a preferred profession, religion, culture, and career, and rights to take part in various activities are fundamental rights that also include one vital component- human rights. A state, while guaranteeing all democratic and fundamental rights, must make sure that citizens have thoroughly enjoyed human rights, as recognised through the international and national conventions. However, sometimes people, groups or organisations show a penchant to take undesired benefits of the freedom of having one's rights. The interest groups utilise such freedom against democracy, social goodwill and fabric. Killing people, destroying properties, obstructing laws and several other inhumane activities undermine human rights, which compel the law of the land to take its course against those involved in such offences.

Addressing the nation the other day on the World Human Rights Day, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli warned the individuals and groups that causing despair and desperation among the people in the name of exercising freedoms and rights were unacceptable at any cost. The present democratic government welcomes constructive criticisms and recommendations made by the opposition, civil societies, media and public because they guide the government to improve its performance. Also, people have the rights to hold a government, elected by them, accountable. Happily, our constitution has included all propositions and principles of human rights allowing people to have the access to all constitution-guaranteed human rights. The government, on the other, has guaranteed access to all state-provided facilities health, education and socio-culture and other services to the people. As per the conscience of the government, no one should be barred from having any access to government services, though at times some unfortunate events such as the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic pose a great difficulty to the government in delivering services to the needy ones across the country.

It is reassuring to see that our government has been working hard to protect and promote people's freedoms and rights. Apart from ensuring people's democratic rights by enacting various laws and regulations, the government has been offering various facilities, which a welfare government must do to the benefits of its citizens. On the other hand, the people, while enjoying thoroughly their freedoms and rights, must not impinge on other's rights under any circumstances. Respecting others' rights while enjoying one's own is the hallmark of the principles of human rights. Similarly, people must also be wary whenever a country demonstrates a commitment to the principles of human rights. The country's prestige can only go up in the eyes of the international community whenever it abides by democratic ideologies of freedoms and rights.