Kathmandu, March 19:

An international joint mission, with representatives from twelve international organisations, is visiting Nepal from March 20 to 25 to study the present condition of violations of press freedom and freedom of expression.

“The members of the mission will meet a broad cross-section of the national media community to discuss press freedom and freedom of expression situation,” said national mission coordinator Suresh Acharya, addressing a press conference today.

The organisations participating on the mission include: ARTICLE 19, International Federation of Journalists, International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX), International Media Support, International News Safety Institute, International Press Institute, Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF), South Asian Press Commission, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) and the World Press Freedom Community.

Acharya said the mission also wanted to have an audition with the King but failed “due to the King’s busy schedule”. They are still planning to visit chiefs of army staff and police. They will see government officials, members of civil societies, constitution experts, human rights activists and professional organisations. “But they are going to meet ambassadors from USA, Britain, India and Finland, who have shown concern over the situation of press freedom,” he said.

Among the mission members, half of them will stay in the capital while the rest will visit different areas, mainly Pokhara and Palpa.

Bishnu Nisthuri, president of Federation of Nepalese Journalists, said the visit mission is a proof of growing international concern regarding Nepal’s state of freedom of expression.

“They will meet and talk with the government and other side of the agents in Nepal and understand the reality, beside what we and the media in general report about Nepal,” he added. He also added that the members of FNJ themselves would not meet the government officials.

Further, former president of FNJ Taranath Dahal said that mission is a token of support for the FNJ.