Nepalese media play a significant role as Nepal moves towards democracy

In Nepal, IMS is actively engaged in supporting the national media community in defending press freedoms through coordination of international advocacy efforts and project-based press freedom and safety related activities.

IMS has been engaged in Nepal since 2002, initially with the goal of supporting the media community in the context of the ongoing conflict between the government and the Maoist, as well as enhancing the media’s capacities to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Royal Coup followed by Rhododendron Revolution

In response to the deteriorating press freedom and freedom of expression situation following the royal coup in February 2005, twelve international organisations undertook a mission to the country in July 2005. This mission was constructed and coordinated by IMS and the large participation reflected the serious concern with which the international community viewed the press freedom situation. A further two International Press Freedom Missions were undertaken to the country in order to continue the advocacy process in March and September 2006.

The aim of these missions was to strengthen dialogue and relations with the media and freedom of expression community, as well as to highlight concerns with the national authorities and security forces over the situation of media and freedom of expression advocates in the country. The mission stressed the crucial importance of press freedom in any situation as a fundamental component of democratic society and a driver of peace-building and development.

Project-based press freedom activities were also identified and initiated by IMS and partners after the mission to improve the safety environment for media practitioners and ensure the continued nationwide distribution of independent information.

New challenges

The Rhododendron Revolution in April 2006, in which the media community played a significant role, brought about a rapid liberalisation in the press freedom environment. It has also brought unforeseen issues to the fore, posing new challenges for the media community and demanding the continued support of the international community.

In January 2008, IMS together with the group of media organisations plan a new International Press Freedom Mission to Nepal to continue the support to the transition to a stable democratic process.