KATHMANDU, Nov 3: Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Anup Raj Sharma, has said that journalists should be allowed to write about even the personal issues of the public office bearers. 

He also stressed the need for separate laws for journalists, allowing them to carry investigative news about the public office bearers. 

Stating that the activities of public office bearers should not be protected by privacy laws, Sharma argued that journalism should not be restrained by the Muluki Codes or any other laws. 

Addressing a function organized by Freedom Forum in the capital on Friday to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, Sharma stressed cooperation between human rights activists and journalists for the well-being of the country. 

Member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Manchala Jha, said that international interference may lead to incidents of human rights violation in Nepal because the country has become party to international human rights laws. 

Former President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Harihar Birahi urged journalists and media organizations to give priority to investigative journalism. 

On the occasion, journalist Ramesh Kumar was conferred with investigative journalism award and Ram Bikash Chaudhary with courageous journalism award.  Two family members of conflict victim journalists shared the stories of their struggle for justice.

 
• journalists
 
• NHRC