World Press Freedom Day:  Government responsibilty to ensure the safety and protection of journalists and safeguard their freedom.

 

Every year, World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on May 3rd. As we observe the 31st World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024, it is essential to remember the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety and freedom of journalists.

According to records from 2021 to May 3, 2024, there have been three instances of attacks and incidents of violence in media house, with 130 journalists, including eight women journalists, being victims of human rights violations and atrocity.

If the campaign for the democratization of press society is considered an important aspect, then journalists are its facilitators.

The Constitution of Nepal 2015 has ensured freedom of the press, emphasizing the need to prioritize the establishment of necessary laws to ensure that press freedom is upheld in every journalistic endeavor.

It has been eight years since the practice of federalism based on the constitution formulated through the Constituent Assembly.

However, crucial legislation pertaining to journalism has yet to be enacted, in accordance with Article 17 (2) (a), Article 19 of the Constitution of Nepal, 2015, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966, to which Nepal is a signatory. The situation calls for the continuation of efforts to create necessary laws for communication-friendly legislation. INSEC remains committed to this campaign.