Editorial
Grim reminder
Global celebrations marked the International Human Rights Day the other day as it has been done since the day six decades back to commemorate the United Nations declaration on Human Rights on December 10, 1948, even as the incidents of human rights violations have not ebbed the world over. Yet, the commitment to uphold the HR values do not seem to be getting the upper hand
because of the growing disregard that is seen in
many countries of the world. Moreover, the theme “Embrace diversity, end discrimination” is perfectly suited to make this global village move on a path where every human lives a life of dignity. But, sadly enough, the same UN members have blatantly sidelined the universal human rights code and remain defiant in the group of nations. In fact, in spite of the said declaration six decades back, the UN is hard pressed to persuade the erring nations to right their HR violations. The moral pressure simply does not seem to work to correct the ways of the wayward. This is a sheer conundrum that has defied all ways to make the members of the world body adhere to the basic tenets of human rights.
Back home too, the situation is far from satisfactory. The recent case of a journalist Tika Bista being beaten up because of her stance on press freedom that is to expose the evil doings of the members of the society has come as a cruel blow not only as an attack trying to stifle the voice of the free press but also a grave human rights violation. In fact, this is the latest of attacks on journalists who write what they see and guarantee the right to information of the people. But, individuals and groups with vested interest take the sincere and truthful actions of the journalists as treading in their territory. It
is unfortunate that many journalists have sacrificed their lives all for the sake of factual reporting.
While many accused have gone free, the others
have not even been arrested. This speaks for the impunity that runs rampant in the country. The government finds itself in a very difficult situation to go
by the law of the land. This is better explained by
the fact that the coalition has partners that talk of taking back their support for the UML-led government
if action is taken against any of their members
who have been involved in any criminal activity. It also speaks of the lackadaisical and irresponsible
attitude of the government. Such inaction
has spawned still graver and fatal attacks not only on the journalists as such but women who not are discriminated but who come under severe threat if they are journalists.
The attack on journalists is but one facet of the story. The various forms of discrimination are rife and it becomes difficult to discern if the law does hold its sway in the country. Considered to be the largest single political party represented in the Constituent Assembly, the Maoists feel that they have every right to disrespect human rights. The districts in particular have seen an upsurge of human rights violations which cannot be taken lightly. In fact, the political parties should shed
their haughty behaviour and work in unison to respect human rights of every citizen.
Dot on time
Tuberculosis is a serious ailment affecting thousands of Nepalese. It is possible to treat the disease if those afflicted with it are provided with timely treatment over a period of time. However, in the case of Nepal, it was found that little headway was made in treating TB patients as the bulk of them were uneducated and tended to stop taking medication once they began to feel better. This has serious repercussions for not only would the patients lose their life but they would need stronger medication to recover. Seeing this in countries like Nepal, the World Health Organization (WHO) came up with the novel way to treat tuberculosis known as Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS). This has been effective particularly in developing countries like Nepal.
Because of DOTs, over a period of 15 years, 36 million people have been cured of tuberculosis. TB is the second largest killer worldwide after HIV/AIDS. The combination of TB and HIV/AIDS can be very dangerous. In any case, DOTS has been doing wonders for TB patients in the country, and those involved in treating the patients must be commended for the splendid job they have been doing.
