Kathmandu, May 4: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said freedom of press and expression should be ensured and journalists’ rights guaranteed.
On the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day (May 3), NHRC urged all sides concerned to pay heed to journalists’ safety and free press. The Day is marked with the theme of “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a driver for all other human rights” this year.
“Press freedom, freedom of expression and human rights have inseparable relations. This is not only for journalists but for all citizens, NHRC said, making all aware that boundless exercise of freedoms and expression of hatred has discredited freedom of press and expression.
The NHRC further stated that hate speech badly affects freedom of speech. The hate speech spread in the guise of free speech should be regulated by the concerned bodies. NHRC believes press freedom and freedom of expression are under threat in Nepal and the world.
Intimidation as attacks and threats to journalists who devote to seeking and bringing forth information for public is deplorable. Attacks and mishebaviour to journalists is against rule of law, democracy and human rights values. It is also against Constitution of Nepal and international law on human rights, NHRC reiterated.
