Nepal's existing Constitution is document of long struggle of Nepali citizens: Minister Rana

Kathmandu, Sept 19: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, has said the Nepal's existing Constitution is a document of the tremendous struggle of the Nepali citizens they made with the determination to draft the Constitution by their representatives. It is the document of their sacrifices, she said.     

In her address to a function organised by the Nepali Embassy in Ottawa, Canada on the occasion of the Constitution Day and National Day of Nepal, the Minister said so.     

The promulgation of Nepal's Constitution-2072 BS (2015) marks a pivotal moment in Nepal's history. This democratic Constitution has been drafted by an inclusive and representative Constituent Assembly that was formed with the larger participation of Nepali citizens, she said.     

"It has been drafted with the direction of people's participation and it embodies the collective aspiration of our multi-caste, multi-lingual and multi-cultural nation to build a justice, inclusive, and democratic society.     

For us the constitution is more than a legal text, it is the very bedrock of the nation's values and collective identity, a living testament to our journey toward democracy, inclusivity, and justice, according to the Minister.     

She made it clear that Nepal's constitution has protected the rights of the citizens and ensures the rights of citizens from each area and sphere to live with dignity as per the principles of the rule of law.     

"One of the most profound aspects of our constitution is its commitment to universally recognized human rights and freedom to all individuals regardless of caste, creed, gender or religion," she told before the gathering.     

It embraces the principles of equality liberty and justice and guarantees equal protection of the law. The Constitution's emphasis on social justice and inclusion reflects our commitment to building a society where every person can live with dignity and opportunity, she said.     

It transforms Nepal into a federal democratic republic, devolves power to bring decision-making closer to the people, empowers local governments, enhances accountability, and ensures that every citizen has a voice in the governance system, the Minister added     

Parliament is one of the most representative legislative bodies with women occupying 33 percent of the seats. Our provincial and local assemblies comprise 41 percent of women's representatives. In a matter of the past few years, women have made it to the top positions as the head of the state, chief justice, and the speaker of the parliament, she appraised the event.     

She also acknowledged the goodwill, solidarity, and spontaneous support of Canada during the democratic transition in Nepal and after the promulgation of the Constitution. Nepal and Canada have enjoyed cordial and friendly relations ever since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1965. Our two countries share common values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, she said. Canadian citizens and those representing the Nepali Community in Canada joined the celebration. Nepal's ambassador to Canada, Bharat Raj Paudel welcomed the Minister to the event.     

The Foreign Minister is presently in Canada in the course of attending the Conference of Women Foreign Ministries at the invitation of her Canadian counterpart Mélanie Joly.(RSS)