Under the theme, #WPFD2019 lays a special focus on challenges faced by media in elections, along with the media’s potential in supporting peace and reconciliation processes.

Along with the world nations, Nepal also observed the World Press Freedom Day 2019 on a grand scale with wide range of rallies, programs across the country.

Highlights of World Press Freedom Day 2019 in Nepal

• UN Nepal To Government of Nepal

“On the occasion of World Press Freedom day, the UN System in Nepal wishes to remind His Majesty’s Government of its obligations to the people of Nepal as a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” UN Nepal said in a statement to the Government of Nepal on the World Press Freedom Day 2019.

• Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists

UNESCO Nepal observed the #WPFD2019 extending its continuous support for freedom of expression and safety of journalists. “The Office acts as a promoter of dialogue among media professionals and provides advice to media professionals, institutions and local authorities in Nepal to enhance the development of freedom of expression,” says UNESCO Nepal.

The Office has been working towards this end, and stands for “Promoting freedom of expression and freedom of the press through the celebrations of the World Press Freedom Day, held annually on May 3, 2019”.

• Media for Human Rights

Marking the World Press Freedom Day 2019, renowned human rights body Amnesty International extended its commitment and support to journalists and other media persons as human rights defenders. The organization called for a special gathering of activists and its Nepali supporters at Shanti Batika, Ratnapark, Kathmandu. The event also saw leading human rights activists such as Charan Kumar Prasai and Subodh Pyakure. Journalists from local media houses were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Amnesty International Nepal’s Chairperson Rajan Prasad Kuikel lauded Nepali journalists for their continuous efforts in defending public interest and Nepali public rights.

• Special Rally in Kathmandu

On account of the #WPFD2019, a special rally was held in Kathmandu. The rally led by the Federation of Nepali Journalists took place from Babarmahal to New Baneshwar. The gathering was aimed at voicing its concerns on demonstrations, strikes and rallies that often take place in Kathmandu, motivated by ethnic or political matters and other forms of violence.

Press Freedom in Nepal

The World Press Freedom 2019 is of high significance for Nepal considering various journalists’ killings, violation of human rights and various other issues hurting the freedom of expression and public rights in the country in the recent times.

According to UN, there has been consistent intimidation of journalists across the country with many journalists losing their jobs. Arrests and nation-wide harassment of journalists hurt the freedom of expression in Nepal.

“The Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal (1990) and the Press and Publication Act (1991) have actively safeguarded freedoms of opinion and expression, press freedom, and the right to information. Even after the lifting of the State of Emergency, freedom of expression remains suspended with the media continuing to face either direct or indirect censorship,” says UN.

According to an US-based agency called Freedom House, Nepal stands 106^th in global rankings for press freedom. While Sweden, Finland, and Norway were found to be the best in terms of press freedom, Syria holds a least ranking.

Source: NepalinData

Speaking on the occasion of #WPFD2019, National Human Rights Commission Chairman Anup Raj Sharma said there are many press-related issues across the country despite constitution amendments and long-awaited elections.

In this regard, NHRC extended its commitment to safeguard press freedom and human rights.

World Press Freedom 2019: The Background

With an aim to protect the Freedom of expression and freedom of the press as basic human rights, the United Nations General Assembly, on May 03, 1993, commemorated the annual World Press Freedom Day.

Here is the UN General Secretary Full Address on World Press Freedom Day 2019

In line with the world nations, UN Nepal has been observing the annual day with its continuing commitment to protect the principles of press freedom and freedoms of expression.

Nepali Sansar wishes Nepal journalism community the ‘World Press Freedom Day 2019’. #Bettersociety

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In an official release, IFJ and its affiliates Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) and the Nepal Press Union (NPU) raised serious concerns stating that the new Act has some restrictive provisions and urged for immediate amendments to the same.

“Nepal’s new Criminal Codes Act 2018 curtails freedom of expression and the press. Some provisions of the Act, especially Sections 293 to 308 relating to privacy and defamation, are restrictive to the press freedom and criminalize expression,” reads an IFJ release.

IFJ pointed at few Sections of Nepal’s Criminal Code 2018 in its release, which include:

• Section 293, which doesn’t allow listening or recording conversations without consent
• Section 294, which prohibits publicizing private information without consent
• Section 295, which disallows capturing photos without consent
• Section 296, which disagrees with selling or publishing photos for commercial purpose without permission of the subject covered in the photographs
• Section 298, which is against receiving/sending or publishing unauthorized information on an electronic medium
• Section 305, which condemns slander
• Section 306, which is against acts including those in satirical ways.

The new Code considers violation of rules under aforementioned sections as punishable offense subjecting the convict to 1-3 years imprisonment and Rs 10,000-30,000 (USD 100-300) penalty.

In this regard, IFJ supports the Nepali journalists’ unions such as Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) and Nepal Press Union (NPU) who have been raising similar concerns since the day the Act was brought to implementation on August 17, 2018.

IFJ expresses serious concerns over the restrictive provisions of the Criminal Codes Act of Nepal; and demands immediate amendments to ensure they adhere to the international standards and principles of freedom of expression and press freedom. At the time when Nepali media and journalists are facing security threats, such provisions will be misused to harass journalists and media; and obstruct independent as well as investigative journalism  –  IFJ Official Release

The new code put forth by the Oli-led Nepali Government came as a replacement to the country’s 15 existing laws and 55-year-old civil & criminal laws.

What FNJ Says?
More than 80 journalists faced criminal cases and harassment due to one provision in the Electronic Transaction Act for their news. The new Act has dozens of such provisions that criminalizes written or spoken expression; and journalists face imprisonment up to three years for merely writing news. This is against the international standards and principles of press freedom; as well as the Constitution of Nepal.  – Govinda Acharya, President, FNJ

The NPU condemns the Act with provisions that restrict journalists to report, write and take photograph. Such restrictions are against the democratic norms and values; and indicate towards authoritarianism. The NPU demands immediate amendment in the unacceptable provisions of the law. – Badri Sigdel, President, NPU

Taking their move ahead, FNJ has also announced a nation-wide agitation from August 28 to September 7, 2018.

Also Read:

• New Law to Check Transparency in NGO Activities
• Nepal Criminal Code Draws Criticism, ‘Press Freedom’ Plays Vital
• Nepal Criminal Code Sought for Fight Against Rape Victims
• Nepal Civil Code and Criminal Code Acts to Ensure Justice

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Oli made this statement at a recent meeting with the newly-elected working committee of Nepal Media Society held in Kathmandu.

Speaking at the meet, Oli lauded media’s role in keeping the government in check and increasing public awareness on social issues and governance.

At the same time, Oli also expressed dissatisfaction at some acts of media pertaining to publishing of information.

 “Do you think Maitighar Mandala is a proper place for protest assembly and rally? How can the government be branded as anti-civilian freedom?” he questioned citing one of the recent issues in the country.

“The things written now should be true and relevant even after 10 years down the line,” he told the press community of Nepal.

At an end note, the Prime Minister congratulated the newly-elected committee of the Nepal Media Society. Chairman Shubha Shankar Kandel is among other key dignitaries present on the occasion.

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