Ensure Inclusive Rights

Democracy and human rights are integral parts of modern society. It is true that there are disagreements with regard to their definitions and practice. In a globalised world, every citizen aspires to live a life of dignity, peace and prosperity. The social, political and cultural movements that took place in Nepal and elsewhere sought to establish people's rights to freedom, equality and dignified life.  If one traces the causes of big movements and revolutions, it becomes clear that the people have demanded civil liberties and then economic rights so that they could lead a happy life. With political freedom alone, people does not attain prosperity. Democracy thrives and sustains in a society that ensures social security to the citizens.

This is a reason why Nepal's constitution has spelt out 31 fundamental rights of the people. They include the right to food, health, education, employment, freedom, equality, language and culture, property, social security and environment, among others. Rights related to justice, labour, shelter, communication, information, privacy, and rights against untouchability and discrimination and exploitation have broadened the scope of democracy. The charter has guaranteed the rights of women, children, Dalits and other marginalised sections of people. It has laid emphasis on the gender inclusion in the every organ of the state. Compared to the number of rights, the charter has outlined fewer duties of the people. Seen from rights perspective, the statute is perhaps one of the most progressive documents in the world.   

The oodles of rights enshrined in the constitution demonstrate Nepal's commitments to human rights, democracy and social equity. The other day Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli reaffirmed the country's commitment to these constitutional rights at an international conference on 'gender Inclusion of human rights institution of the Asia Pacific region'. The PM have called for realising the motto of "Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali" through the implementation of constitution in letter and spirit. He noted that the caste system has been abolished and 33 per cent women's participation in all state bodies have been made compulsory. Of course, Nepal has made strides in the women empowerment. It has got first female President, Chief Justice and Speaker of the House of Representatives. Thousands of women are currently at the leadership rung of the local bodies. Many of them head the judicial committees of the local government. This has enabled them to hone their leadership skills and understand the societal issues in a nuanced manner. 

Nonetheless, challenges lie in implementing them. Given the dwindling national incomes and limited tax base, it is difficult to fulfil all these rights at once. More than 20 per cent of people live below the poverty line. So lifting them out of abject penury should be the first priority of the government. Good governance, rule of law, transparency and accountability are essential to put the nation on the path of stability and prosperity. People's rights to health and education, employment can be met only when the state invests in basic infrastructures and social security. Corruption must be checked at every layer of governance. It is necessary to utilise the budget in a judicious way. Rights and duties go side by side. All should be responsible to implement the people's fundamental rights, thereby building an inclusive and gender-friendly society.