On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Honorable President of Nepal Dr Ram Baran Yadav today undescored the importance of free press for democracy to flourish.
Inaugurating a function on FREEDOM OF PRESS IN SOUTH ASIA: OLD CHALLENGES, NEW MEDIA Conference organised by Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Panos South Asia and UNESCO, President Yadav said, “Democracy can be safeguarded and strengthened through independent and responsible media. Hence journalists should be able to work in an environment free from fear and pressure and harassment.”
Claiming that the political transition has not always been media-friendly, he emphasized on the need to protect journalists from the attack of criminal groups.
Speaking at the program, CPN-UML Chairman, Jhala Nath Khanal, said democracy and pres freedom would be rewarded only of the task of leading the peace process to a logical end, restructuring of the new constitution of Nepal were completed on time.
Richard Bennet, representative of the UNHRC Nepal, expressed his serious concern over the ongoing killing of Nepali journalists at a time when the conflict has already ended. He said press freedom would bring sustainable peace and stability in the nation.
Ms. Iskra Panevska, Advisor of Communication and Information Section for South Asia of UNESCO also addressed in the same occasion as special guest.
Before Inaugurating the function, leading journalists of Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka as well as official of Panso South Asia and UNESCO took part in a colorful rally that will brought out in the down site of Kathmandu city.