Nepal celebrates 31st Press Freedom Day today. In a program organised by Media Action Nepal, Minister of Forests and Environment of Government of Nepal Nawal Kishor Sah Saudi launched Annual Press Freedom Report, addressing the august gathering he mentioned that media is a third eyes of a country, freedom of press is sensitive matter and government is responsible to protect it.
UNESCO representative of Nepal, Michael Croft, discussed report of UNESCO on Press and Planet in Danger, revealed instances in which at least 749 journalists and news media outlets reporting on environmental issues were targeted with murder, physical violence, detention and arrest, online harassment or legal attacks in the period 2009-2023. He stressed that attack on Press freedom is global problem, with attacks taking place in 89 countries in all regions of the world.
Press for Planet discussion provided roadmap against Climate Disinformation, identifying the roles of governments, the media, academia and researchers, civil society and digital platforms. Supporting and protecting environmental journalists will promote the integrity of information on the environment and climate changes.
By Sweta Singh (Kathmandu)