PM Karki vows to make HoR elections more cost-effective and transparent

Patan (Lalitpur), Dec 10: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has identified corruption as a major bottleneck to development and transformation in recent years.     

In her address to an event organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in marking the International Human Rights Day and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, she noted that corruption transcends economic implications, posing a serious threat to the fundamental rights of vulnerable, powerless, and marginalized groups.     

She noted, "When corruption affects any initiative, ill individuals are deprived of their right to healthcare, and students are barred from receiving quality education; therefore, the government is committed to enforcing the most stringent measures against corruption".     

"Human rights cannot be safeguarded without a basis of transparency and accountability," emphasized Prime Minister Karki. She underscored that the thrust of democracy is rooted on the conduction of fair elections, asserting that it is the government's primary duty to foster an environment where citizens can choose their representatives without fear, coercion, or undue influence.     

Karki further stated, "The government is devoted to making the forthcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections more cost-effective, transparent, and technology-driven. We call upon all political parties to work together to ensure that the election proceeds as scheduled, and we will establish a supportive atmosphere for the security personnel assigned during this time.     

"I also stress the necessity of protecting the voting rights of all adult Nepalis and encourage all political parties to participate freely, ensuring that this democratic process, like any election, is successful while upholding, protecting, and promoting human rights".     

Prime Minister Karki noted that Nepal's peace process has inspired the international community and recognized that the advancement of transitional justice is currently underway.     

She asserted that, as the National Human Rights Commission serves as a guardian institution of democracy, the government has prioritized the protection of its autonomy, independence, and effectiveness, and is dedicated to executing the commission's recommendations.     

Prime Minister Karki noted that in order to uphold the commission's status in the 'A' category, there will be an enhancement of institutional and physical infrastructure, human resources, and budget management.     

"Climate change has surfaced as an additional obstacle to the safeguarding of human rights. Despite Nepal being a country with negligible carbon emissions, we have faced the most severe consequences of climate change. Effects induced by climate change, such as the melting of glaciers, erratic weather patterns, floods and landslides, as well as increasing temperatures, are directly influencing every facet of our existence – encompassing food security, health, housing, and education," she stated.     

Stating that climate change was not only an environmental agenda but it is an issue directly linked with human existence and rights, the PM asserted that the government has been actively moving ahead by further strengthening national and international partnership in the areas adaptation, risk reduction, sustainable development and climate justice.     

According to her, the government is continuously working to reduce poverty, achieve gender equality, ensure social justice and inclusivity and maintain peace and attain prosperity along with the core spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).     

The Head of the Government called for timely fulfillment of all its obligations under the international human rights conventions to which Nepal is signatory party.     

She pledged government's active role in implementation of the recommendations furnished by the committees that formulate treaties and convention.     

Furthermore, PM Karki, who was also the first female Chief Justice of the country, said formulation of necessary laws for the protection and recognition of human rights defenders figured in the government's top priorities.     

She added that government seeks to make foreign employment safe and dignified and formulate and effectively implement the Sixth National Human Rights Plan.     

On a different note, she underscored the need to make human rights our social character rather than just a legal provision. "We can only achieve sustainable peace, good-governance, development and prosperity when we can transform human rights as a culture of our daily life," argued PM Karki.     

According to her, human rights are not limited to mere survival or existence, they also encompass the right to live with dignity.     

Furthermore, the PM viewed that human rights also include the right to question the State's decisions, enjoy a clean and healthy environment and have an equal access to the digital world.     

The PM assured that the government will strongly take into account youth-related issues such as protection of digital rights, right to privacy, promotion and harnessing of youth's innovative and creative potentials during formulation and implementation of policy.     

"The initial concept of human rights primarily emphasized the rights to life and freedom but the definition of human rights has become much broader in the 21st century," the PM noted.     

She observed that the Gen-Z generation, especially our younger generation, does not confine human rights to the legal literatures or texts but view them in terms of practical outcomes.     

"The vigilance they are maintaining through social and digital platforms is a beautiful expression of the democracy and I respect it," remarked the PM.     

Karki opined that the values and norms adopted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights issued by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948 had laid a foundation to make today's human civilization human-oriented.     

PM Karki, on the occasion, extended her heartfelt greetings to all the Nepalis sisters and brothers at home and abroad on the behalf of the government.     

The Human Rights Day is being celebrated across the world today. Nepal is also marking the Day organizing various activities across the country.     

The theme for this year's Human Rights Day is 'Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials".(RSS)