ARTICLE
19, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) and Freedom Forum (FF)
strongly condemn the Government of Nepal's intentions to use
journalists as informants, to help implement its Special Security Plan.
This would significantly increase the already seriously hazardous
working environment for journalists. It is also contrary to
international standards, as well as the Agenda for Change, launched by
ARTICLE 19, FNJ and FF in February 2009. We urge the Government of
Nepal to drop this idea and, instead, to take the necessary steps to
protect journalists from attacks by unidentified armed groups.
(Source: 12 October 2009, Article 19)
ARTICLE
19, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) and Freedom Forum (FF)
strongly condemn the Government of Nepal's intentions to use
journalists as informants, to help implement its Special Security Plan.
This would significantly increase the already seriously hazardous
working environment for journalists. It is also contrary to
international standards, as well as the Agenda for Change, launched by
ARTICLE 19, FNJ and FF in February 2009. We urge the Government of
Nepal to drop this idea and, instead, to take the necessary steps to
protect journalists from attacks by unidentified armed groups.
"The Government's plan is opportunistic and irresponsible," said Dharmendra Jha, Chairperson of FNJ. "Threats
and attacks against, and even murder of journalists are rampant in
Nepal and to propose to use journalist as informants is at best grossly
negligent," he added.
Key problems with involving journalists in the Special Security Plan include:
- This would seriously undermine the role of an independent media in a democracy.
- It would also undermine the independence and professionalism of individual journalists.
-
It would seriously increase the risk of attacks against journalists
and media outlets, whereas there is an imperative need to take action
to reduce this risk.
Recommendation
No. 24 of the Agenda for Change states, in part: "The
government should be more proactive in fulfilling its obligation to
protect journalists and media property, including by allocating greater
resources and attention to this, particularly in conflict areas."
Attemping to use journalists as secuirty informants is also a breach of
code of conduct issued by Nepal Press Council.
ARTICLE 19, FNJ and FF urge the Nepali authorities to withdraw
immediately any proposal to use journalists as informants to execute
the Special Security Plan. We also call on the authorities to take all
reasonable measures to promote the safety and security of journalists
and media outlets.
To read the complete statement, please click here.
