The Ministry of Information and Communications, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Freedom Forum, Sancharika Samuha, among others, will implement the two-year project from this year.[break]
The UNESCO clarified that it was going to launch the project saying there is not yet a situation for Nepali journalists to disseminate factual news with professional capability unhindered, though some improvements were made in different sectors including in freedom of press and freedom of expression, physical and workplace safety of journalists, impunity, promotion of rights to information and human rights, after the conflict in the country.
At a programme orgaised by UNESCO here today, it was informed that the project would work in building capacity of bodies concerned for increasing safety of journalists.
According to FNJ, a total of 271 incidents occurred and three journalists were killed in violations of the freedom of press and freedom of expression in the country last year.
On the occasion, UNESCO representative to Nepal, Axel Plathe, said that the project would work to improve security situation of Nepali journalists at a time when no remarkable improvements were made in safety of journalists after the conflict period.
Similarly, Member of NHRC, Gauri Pradhan, said that deterioration of security situation of journalists, who are working as human rights defenders, is a matter of worry.
Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communications, Yadu Prasad Panthi, said that the Ministry has been working by putting professional and physical security of journalists in high-priority.
He added research is necessary as to which sector has caused insecurity to the journalists.
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