'Corruption: The biggest challenge to human rights'

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Dec 10: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has stated that corruption is the greatest challenge to human rights.

PM Karki said so while addressing a program organized on the occasion of the 77th International Human Rights Day on Wednesday.

"Corruption is not just financial irregularity; it is a serious human rights violation that deprives the poor, the disabled, and the disadvantaged of their fundamental rights."

"When a project is plagued by corruption, then it has an impact on a multitude of sick citizens who are denied their right to medical treatment, and students are denied a quality education," PM said. 

Therefore, Prime Minister Karki also expressed the government's commitment to take strict steps against corruption to any extent.

"The soul of democracy is free and fair elections. It is the fundamental responsibility of the country to ensure an environment in which citizens can choose their representatives without fear, inducement, or pressure. The government is working to make the March 5, 2025, elections more economical, transparent, and technology-friendly," said the PM. 

The scope of human rights has expanded greatly in the 21st century.

Initial concept of human rights mainly emphasized the right to life and freedom. But in today's 21st century, the scope of human rights has become much broader. Now, human rights are not just about staying alive, but also about living with dignity, questioning state decisions, enjoying a clean environment, and having equal and fair access to the digital world, according to her. 

Similarly, Prime Minister Karki also reminded that the soul of democracy is free and fair elections. 

She said, "It is the fundamental responsibility of the state to ensure an environment where citizens can choose their representatives without fear, temptation or pressure."