KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that corruption has emerged as the biggest challenge to human rights in Nepal.
Addressing the ceremony organized to mark the International Human Rights Day, PM Karki stressed that corruption directly deprives poor and marginalized citizens of their fundamental rights.
“Corruption is the biggest challenge to human rights. It is not only an economic irregularity; it is a grave violation that snatches the fundamental rights of poor, vulnerable, and marginalized citizens,” she said. “When a project becomes corruption-ridden, patients are deprived of their right to treatment, and students are blocked from accessing quality education.”
Stating that the government is committed to taking the toughest possible action against corruption, PM Karki said that human rights cannot be protected without transparency and accountability. “Human rights cannot remain secure without a transparent and accountable environment, and the government is moving ahead firmly in this direction,” she added.
The United Nations has set the theme “Human Rights, Our Common Foundation” for the 77th International Human Rights Day.
PM Karki said the concept of human rights has expanded beyond the basic right to life and freedom. “Today, human rights mean living with dignity, questioning the state’s decisions, enjoying a clean environment, and having equal and fair access to the digital world,” she said.
She highlighted the growing role of Nepal’s Gen-Z, saying the new generation does not limit human rights to legal texts but links them to real-world outcomes. “Through social media and digital platforms, they are raising voices for accountability. This is a beautiful expression of democracy, and I respect it,” she remarked.
PM Karki reiterated the government’s commitment to integrating young citizens’ digital rights, privacy, innovation, and creativity into policy and implementation frameworks.
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