Nepal committed to protecting rights: President

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 10: President Bidya Devi Bhandari, in her message delivered on the occasion of the 74th International Human Rights Day on Saturday, said that Nepal was committed to protecting, promoting and implementing human rights. 

The President asserted that the economic, social and cultural rights are the important aspects of human rights that form the essence of individual freedom and democratic governance system.

“The day will be meaningful only if we can guarantee the human rights of the marginalised and disadvantaged communities and regions through the collective activism of the federal government, provincial government, local level and social organisations and the private sectors,” she said. 

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishes the concept that the basic values and principles of human rights and democracy are not limited to a particular geography but are universal, she said. 

“On the basis of these principles, human values are developed within a social system based on fair, free and healthy competition, where every individual can decide the path of opportunity and progress for themselves,” the President said. 

Stating that the fundamental rights guaranteed by Nepal’s Constitution are based on the broadest concept of human rights, President Bhandari said the Constitution had contributed to expand and develop the issues mentioned in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Since Nepal is a party to various international human rights treaties, it has always been committed to the protection, promotion and fulfilment of human rights, she said.

As a result of this, Nepal had also been elected as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, President Bhandari added.She also wished that the International Human Rights Day may inspire all parties and agencies to embrace the meaning and spirit of human rights.