Journalists, CSOs in Nepal review journalist safety ahead of fourth UPR cycle
KATHMANDU/ May 24: Journalists and civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nepal have come together to evaluate the country’s progress under the third cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and propose a new set of recommendations for the upcoming fourth cycle, focusing on freedom of expression (FoE) and the safety of journalists with feminist approach. The consultations, held in Kathmandu on May 20 and 21, were organized by Media Action Nepal and Article 19, in partnership with Global Affairs Canada, as part of the project “Equally Safe: Towards a Feminist Agenda for the Safety of Journalists (FEMSOJ) – Phase 2.”
In separate consultations with women journalists and broader CSOs, participants reviewed past commitments and identified pressing issues that require immediate policy action. The sessions, facilitated by Brigitte Andersen, Programme Officer at Article 19, and Laxman Datt Pant, Founder and Executive Director of Media Action Nepal, emphasized that the consultation inputs would feed into a 10-page stakeholder report for submission to the UN Human Rights Council.
“The UPR is a unique, state-driven process under the UN Human Rights Council. It holds governments accountable and encourages bottom-up engagement,” said Andersen. Almost half of the recommendations globally have triggered action within just two and a half years, she added.
Pant stressed the need to use this process to highlight systemic threats to press freedom in Nepal, including political interference, caste and gender-based discrimination, and inadequate protections for working journalists. Despite progress, major gaps remain, especially in ensuring a safe and enabling environment for women, indigenous, and marginalized journalists, he highlighted.
Gendered and structural challenges
The consultation with women journalists on May 20, brought forth grave concerns about harassment, safety, and institutional neglect. Binu Subedi, a freelance journalist, said she had faced threats and political pressure throughout her career. “Media owners, more than the state, are our biggest threat,” she said, recalling instances where politically sensitive stories were pulled down due to fear of backlash.
Manjima Dhakal of The Rising Nepal highlighted the lack of physical, digital, and financial safety for female journalists. In-house harassment and newsroom politics are widespread, and legal awareness among journalists is lacking, she added. Dolma Sherpa underscored the discrimination faced by indigenous journalists. Media narratives often stereotype our communities, and our reports are rarely prioritized, she lamented, calling for inclusive and ground-level reporting. Pooja Chandara shared the harsh reality that newsroom discrimination based on caste remains rampant. Journalists from marginalized groups are routinely denied recognition and protection, she said.
Wider civil society Engagement
An expert consultation with CSOs and media professionals, on May 21, further underscored the urgency of addressing journalist safety and ensuring the protection of freedom of expression in the digital age. Representatives from Media Action Nepal, Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Working Women Journalists (WWJ), the Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities Journalists (FoNIJ), Working Journalists Association (WJA), Photojournalists Association Nepal and other key organizations participated, reflecting strong civil society engagement.
Participants emphasized the urgent need for legal and institutional reforms to safeguard journalists and reinforce press freedom in Nepal. Janma Dev Jaishi, Chairperson of WJA urged for the implementation of existing laws and the establishment of dedicated courts for journalists. Shobha Aryal, Chairperson of FNJ Kathmandu Chapter advocated for policy clarity and better financial safety of journalists.
Improving journalist safety, particularly for women, emerged as a central concern. Anjana Silpakar, Vice Chairperson of FONIJ emphasized the urgent need for legal protections. She also noted the gendered nature of threats, saying, “Males face physical threats, while females face character assassination.” Deepa Ale, Treasurer of WWJ called for state recognition of veteran journalists and transparency in awards distribution to boost morale in the profession.
Bhagawoti Thapa, a photojournalist, highlighted the financial strain of her work. There is an economic burden to get equipment and vehicles on our own, it’s an expensive way to do journalism, she lamented. Kanti Neupane warned about coordinated attacks, saying, “A politically affiliated and coordinated group of journalists is a danger to journalists overall.” She called for maternity allowances, medical insurance, and qualifications-based standards for journalists.
The discussions concluded with a unified call for the government to treat press freedom as a foundational human right and to adopt the stakeholder recommendations as part of its UPR obligations.
Recommendations for the fourth UPR Cycle
During the consultations, participants put forward a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at addressing the systemic challenges faced by journalists in Nepal. These proposals, directed at the Government of Nepal and other key stakeholders, emphasized the urgent need for structural reforms to ensure the safety, independence, and professionalism of the media sector.
- One of the primary recommendations was the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms, free from political influence, to guide media regulation and uphold journalistic integrity.
- Mandatory insurance coverage for journalists, particularly for women during maternity and for those reporting in high-risk areas, was also highlighted as essential for their security and well-being.
- Participants stressed the importance of eliminating political interference in state-owned media and called for clear safety protocols in media houses, especially for those working early or late hours.
- They urged strict enforcement of the Working Journalists Act and the introduction of zero-tolerance policies against harassment in the workplace.
- To build resilience against misinformation and foster greater public appreciation for press freedom, participants also recommended investing in robust media literacy programs.
- Participants highlighted that state entities such as the Ministry of Communication and Information Technologies (MoCIT) lack commitment to press freedom and have contributed to weakening independent journalism.
- Speakers also criticized major journalist associations for being politicized and failing to advocate effectively for media rights.
- There were troubling accounts of continued threats, attacks, and harassment, particularly targeting women journalists, prompting some to consider leaving the profession.
- Economic burdens, lack of health insurance, and discriminatory practices inside newsrooms were noted as systemic challenges, alongside the increasing hostility journalists face online and offline.
- Concerns were also raised about the declining editorial independence, the need for decentralization of media institutions, and the urgent need to boost media-friendly policy frameworks.
- The Government of Nepal, in collaboration with media houses, should implement targeted policies to improve job security for journalists, particularly women, to prevent erosion from the profession. This includes enforcing fair employment practices, offering legal protections, and launching public awareness campaigns to counter harmful narratives and build societal trust in journalists and their role in democracy.
- State authorities, especially security officials, must undergo mandatory orientation on human rights and the legal protections for journalists, particularly during protests and public demonstrations. These trainings should emphasize the importance of FoE and the role of the media, aiming to prevent harassment and abuse, especially in online spaces where attacks are increasingly rampant.
