A state becomes truly independent and developed only when the rights of every citizen are protected. Unfortunately, in many developing countries we often see citizens’ fundamental rights being obstructed at every step.
Yet, ordinary people’s demands are very modest. They do not usually care much about who is in power or who will come to power. Their main concerns are ensuring livelihood and the security of life and property.
Alongside this, they want the freedom of expression and movement. They want liberty, or the realization of individual freedom. Because, unless individual liberty is protected, no citizen can truly feel like a free citizen of a free country.
At the grassroots level in these countries, people do not understand much about the constitution, reforms, or economic reserves. They are not as concerned about these matters as they are about the protection of their rights and living a life free from harassment and hardship.
If these basic freedoms of citizens are not safeguarded in a state, then no matter how much change is promised, it carries no value. Above all, liberty—or individual freedom—holds the greatest importance. Every citizen has the right to live according to their own will, where neither the state nor any other person can unjustly impose restrictions or controls on them.
This freedom allows citizens to choose their own preferences, beliefs, and actions, which form the foundation of a healthy society and state. For this reason, John Stuart Mill said: “The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.”
In other words, as long as a person does not harm others, they should be free to lead their own life—that is liberty. But in developing countries we often see that even innocent people are arrested, kept in prison for years without trial, or fall victim to mass litigation. Many have been forced to flee their homes, lose their families, or become destitute trying to fight cases in court.
When individual liberty is protected in a state, citizens’ confidence and sense of responsibility grow. It also fosters creativity and contributes to social progress. Therefore, freedom of expression—the right to express one’s views and beliefs; freedom of religion—the right to practice and promote one’s faith; and freedom from fear and want—the guarantee of liberation from conflict, war, and poverty—must be ensured.
Another essential civil liberty is freedom of movement. This means a citizen has the right to travel freely within the country, to reside anywhere, and to leave and return to the country. This freedom is one of the fundamental rights of human beings because it allows individuals to seek employment, education, and social opportunities.
Without it, people’s lives become limited, economic activities are disrupted, and society becomes stagnant. In short, no citizen should be obstructed in movement on the basis of religion, race, ethnicity, or political opinion. The responsibility of law enforcement agencies is to ensure people’s security, but under no circumstances should they interfere with citizens’ freedom of movement.
If a state fails to protect citizens’ rights and individual liberty, its very foundation becomes weak. Public trust in the state declines. This is why Abraham Lincoln said: “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” In other words, those who deprive others of freedom are not themselves worthy of freedom.
Therefore, authorities at all levels of the state must show respect for citizens’ rights. Above all, we as citizens must remain aware of our rights and raise our voices against any unjust barriers and obstacles. Because we must remember: rights are never handed over voluntarily—they must be claimed and secured.
