An international media conference with the theme ‘Promotion of Freedom of Expression and the Voice of Marginalized Communities in the Media’ began in Kathmandu yesterday.

Jointly organized by the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) and the International Alert, the conference witnessed discussions on various key issues including amendments, laws, among others related to the development of Nepal.

In her inaugural address, Nepali Parliament Speaker Onsari Gharti Magar stated that the Nepali Constitution fully guarantees the press freedom and urged the media to ensure due importance to the concerns of marginalized sections of the society.

She termed mass communication as the best means to institutionalize and enhance the democracy.

Onsari further informed that the key task of implementing the Nepali Constitution will be completed with the conclusion of the country’s federal and provincial elections between November 26-December 7, 2017.

In this regard, she urged on the need for amendment and revision of various Acts and regulations of Nepal in line with the federalism.

Meanwhile, FNJ President Govinda Acharya said, “Although the constitution has guaranteed the freedom to write and express, there were challenges to put this into practice.”

Tribhuvan University’s (TU) journalism professor P Kharel pointed at lack of implementation regarding press freedom.

Senior journalist Kishor Nepal also stressed on the need for focus on marginalized communities.

The two-day international conference that will end today has brought together the journalists and media experts from various countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, among others.

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