The Chairman of the Consitutional Committee of the Constituent Assembly (right) and the President of the FNJ (left) following meetings with the International Media Mission. Photo: IMS

Press freedoms in Nepal continue to face serious threats despite the hope that restoration of democratic rule would improve the situation, concludes the International Media Mission to Nepal after its visit 5-8 February

In January, Uma Singh, a 24-year old radio reporter from the town of Jankapur was stabbed to death in her home. According to her editor, she was killed for critically reporting on the local politicians and speaking against the dowry system.

Uma Singh was the fourth journalist to be killed in Nepal since 2006. In 2008 alone, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) recorded 342 press freedom violations in Nepal.
- We are extremely concerned about the vulnerability of journalists in Nepal - especially those working in the districts - who raise critical voices about the conduct of political groups and others, says Thomas Hughes, deputy director of IMS.

International Media Mission to Nepal

In view of the staggering figures, the International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission to Nepal  - also known as the International Media Mission to Nepal - responded to requests from local media and visited Nepal between 5-8 February urging the national authorities to put an end to the growing pressure on media freedoms.

-    Despite democratic rule, the situation has gotten worse since the new government took over in August 2008, says Thomas Hughes, who headed the International Mission to Nepal, which incorporated international organisations, including UN agencies, global media associations, freedom of expression advocates and media development organisations.

Impunity

During the visit, the International Media Mission met with all key officials including the Prime Minister, leaders of the main government and opposition political parties.
 
The International Media Mission expressed concern with the increasingly discernible pattern in the attacks and harassment; that critical reporting is being met with violence and perpetrators are going unpunished, whilst the authorities are failing in their duty to prevent, punish and redress the harm caused by such attacks.

- Unless the government can bring an end to impunity and clearly demonstrate its commitment to press freedom, it will pose to a serious threat to the whole democratization process, as it will lead to growing self-censorship among media workers and limit open debate, says Thomas Hughes.

New constitution

Later this year, Nepal is embarking on a process to develop a new constitution for the country, which should be finalized by May 2010.

Media has a crucial role to play in this process. First of all in ensuring an open and transparent dialogue amongst the public about the ins and outs of the new constitution. Just as importantly, however, the new constitution should ensure freedom of expression and media freedoms.

-    The new constitution should firmly guarantee press freedom in line with international best practices, says Thomas Hughes.

In cooperation with Article 19, the Federation of Nepali Journalists and Freedom Forum have formulated an "Agenda for Change", which outlines how a media policy reform and future media landscape should look like to guarantee freedom of expression and press freedom. The International Media Mission urged the national leaders to follow the "Agenda for Change" in the coming months and years.

IMS and other partners to the International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission to Nepal remain committed to continue monitoring press freedom developments in Nepal as well as to support the national media community in their effort to defend press freedoms.