Intl media mission welcomes endorsement of media related laws

Members of the 'International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission to Nepal' have welcomed the endorsement of the Right to Information Act and Working Journalists Act amendments recently by the parliament.

In a statement on Sunday, the mission said it commends those Nepali journalists and media and freedom of expression organisations that have continuously advocated for legislative reform and defended press freedoms.

Stating that it has been closely monitoring the developments in Nepal since the process of restoring democracy and press freedom began in April 2006, the International Mission said it remains highly concerned about the continuing violence against journalists and the media, including by groups affiliated with the former combatant parties in the conflict.

The statement mentions over 116 incidents of attempts to prevent journalists from doing their job of informing the people as of July 31 this year alone.

These incidents include arrests, attacks on media companies, abduction of journalists, threats and harassment and obstructions to the free flow of information, including disruptions in the production processes. "It is disturbing that the same media which played a leading role in the restoration of democracy a year ago have now become the target of attacks from various groups," the statement reads.

The statement further says, "A free and fairly elected constituent assembly remains the next vital step in Nepal's peace process. The constituent assembly will have a mandate to adopt a new constitution which will define the structure of the State. Such a process depends on increased and informed debate in which the positions of all stakeholders are heard, and this will only be possible if there is a free, independent and pluralistic media able to inform the public without fear of retribution. The lack of such a plural and unobstructed media environment throughout the country, and specifically in those areas affected by conflict, could jeopardise a free and fair outcome to the elections."

The mission called on all stakeholders, including the government and specifically the Ministry of Information and Communication, being under the Maoists, the political parties and affiliated groups, numerous active interest groups and the Nepali people in general to work collectively to build an environment that enables the media to report on the elections effectively and safely free from intimidation or attack.

The members of the International Mission include ARTICLE 19, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), FreeVoice, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), International Media Support (IMS), International Press Institute (IPI), International News Safety Institute (INSI), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC), World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and World Press Freedom Committee (WPFC). The mission made two visits to Nepal . nepalnews.com ia Aug 19 07