Background:
Freedom Forum Nepal is a relatively new initiative towards attaining the long cherished goals of press freedom and human rights movements in Nepal. It is a non-governmental (not for profit) organization working for the cause of democracy and supporting other like minded institutions, protection and promotion of human rights, press freedom and freedom of expression as well as the empowerment of various development initiatives. This is a purely social organization registered with the District Administration Office at Kathmandu and the Social Welfare Council of Nepal. Its head office is in Kathmandu, Nepal.
A group of committed professionals and intellectuals with a fairly long time involvement in the media, legal advocacy and human rights movements have come together. They have initiated a campaign for democracy, human rights and media freedom soon after the Royal Takeover of Feb 1, 2005. The same initiative has now taken an organizational shape under the banner of "Freedom Forum".
The organization has already begun monitoring and campaigning for a 'free media movement' by disseminating information on the situation of press freedom in the present-day Nepal through the website www.nepalpressfreedom.org and other email links.
Although the website is still in a preliminary stage, it is disseminating information mainly on the cases violating press freedom in the present situation. It has also covered issues relating to human rights abuses and police excesses against the defenders of human rights. Journalists and free media activists have been the chief targets of the State and their cohorts (hardliners supporting the establishment). On the human rights front, Freedom Forum is lobbying the global community to ensure safety and security of the Nepalese human rights defenders at this moment.
Promoters of this organization were involved in monitoring the state of press freedom and human rights abuses following the Royal takeover on February 1, although the organization was yet to be registered. Now that the organization has been officially registered, we are committed to give our work a systematic and efficient touch.
The Forum believes that ideal democracy would not be a far cry if people, especially professionals, with knowledge, skill and zeal come together to work for the progress of our nation. This organization has come into being with the aim and vision of making sincere and collective efforts towards the resolution of conflict, restoration of peace, and establishment of an 'inclusive' democracy in Nepal. For this reason press freedom, human rights and civil liberty has become very important in today's context.
Democracy:
The Forum and its activities are broadly concerned with civil liberty, democratic and fair electoral mechanism, dialogue, party building, reform in governance, conflict mediation and the peace process, constitutional reform and other areas that have direct bearing with democratic norms and practices.
Human rights:
The Forum's concerns on human rights are inspired by the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and related international conventions, treaties and instruments. It stresses respect to the people's right to life, right to medical care, right to education, right to equal and fair social treatment as well as the right to hold political/ideological beliefs.
Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression :
The Forum works to ensure that the mass media is able to play its role as the Fourth Estate and that it enjoys the independence and freedom to disseminate information without any hindrance. The Forum considers Freedom of Expression the people's’ 'right to information' as fundamental traits of an equitable, prosperous and democratic society. It also works to enhance media professionalism and make it socially more responsible.
Aims and Objectives:
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To work to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression |
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To monitor the situation of human rights and civil liberty. |
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To be whistle-blowers and lobby against present and future violations |
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To take the necessary initiative towards conflict mediation/resolution and thereby effect a lasting peace in the country |
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To embark on an action plan thus helping consolidate pluralism and the democratic processes in the country |
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To make tangible contributions towards rural and urban development through education and awareness drives along with other initiatives |
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Contact
Taranath Dahal
Chairman,
Freedom Forum
Email: freedomforum@enet.com.np
