Kathmandu, November 2

Stakeholders here have pressed for unity among one and all to end the impunity for crimes against journalists.

At a function organised by Development Communication Society Nepal and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists today in the capital, they pressed for a separate law on crimes against journalists.

Speaking at the function, Spokesperson of the National Human Rights Council, Mohana Ansari, argued that people’s right to information would be impeded if the journalists were not safe. She also urged the government to be serious about the safety of journalists.

Similarly, Chairman of Press Council Nepal Borna Bahadur Karki underscored the need for an effective law to ensure safety of journalists. He was of the opinion that journalists could make themselves safe by disseminating authentic and credible news.

Likewise, President of the Federation of Nepalese Journalists Mahendra Bista appealed to working journalists not to misuse their freedom, saying this could eventually pose a threat to their safety and security.

At the programme, Piyushraj Mishra, President of SoDEC-Nepal, JB Bishwakarma, Coordinator of the Right to Information, UNESCO, journalists Nirmalmani Adhikari and Laxman Dutta Panta shared that incidents of violence against journalists were more rampant during the insurgency.

On the occasion, ‘Nepal ma Dandahinata’ (Impunity in Nepal), a book illustrating heinous crimes against journalists in the country, was released.