Joint mission report exposes comprehensive media repression
A new report detailing the struggle of Nepali journalists to see press freedom restored in their country after the royal coup in February 2005 has described comprehensive media repression by both the government and insurgents.
The report was produced after a joint mission of twelve international agencies to Nepal in July this year which included the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), UN agencies, global media associations, freedom of expression advocates and media development organisations.
The Defence of Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression in Nepal report, reveals that media rights have been eroded if not completely abolished in some areas through harassment, detentions and disappearances of journalists, restrictive policy and legislation, and censorship.
Since the state of emergency was imposed in the country on 1 February 2005 - and despite the fact that it was subsequently lifted on 29 April 2005 - the press freedom and freedom of expression situation in the country has continued to deteriorate.
"It is unacceptable that media workers continue to be seen as targets by parties that are ignoring national and international pressure to protect press freedom and journalists rights," said IFJ Asia-Pacific Director, Jacqueline Park.
"While all of the Nepali media community have been subject to intimidation, harassment, detention and displacement, this has been particularly severe in areas outside of the Kathmandu Valley," said the IFJ Director.
"Despite the strong and dynamic response from the media community to defend press freedom in Nepal, government repression has aggravated a culture of non-accountability and lack of transparency, leaving journalists vulnerable to violence and threats," said Park.
In response to the repressive conditions in Nepal, the IFJ has organised a Global Day of Action for Press Freedom in Nepal on August 30, to express support and solidarity for the Nepali media community.
As part of the Global Day of Action the IFJ has organised a signature campaign to be presented to the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York.
To show your support and solidarity for press freedom in Nepal, sign the petition at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/622930457
