FNJ issues 15-point 'Surkhet Declaration'

The general assembly of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) concluded in Surkhet district on Saturyda issuing a 15-point 'Surkhet Declaration'.

The general assembly that commenced in province capital of Karnali Province-Surkhet-on last Friday concluded today. FNJ general-secretary Roshan Puri shared that the declaration was issued after endorsing the report of the general-secretary, treasurer and coordinator of the accounts committee.

Through the declaration, all three-tier government have been urged to formulate the media-related laws making them friendly to the media and promoting freedom of press and expression. Although the Constitution of Nepal guarantees freedom of expression, the three-tier government and political parties could not fully implement it, according to the FNJ.

Towards this, the declaration has appealed to the governments in all three levels to enforce the freedom of expression and freedom of press.

Urging all journalists to use digital media carefully, the umbrella organization of journalists, pressed for legal actions on the case of infringement of freedom of expression through that medium.

In the declaration, demands have been made with the concerned sides for formulation of communication laws in line with the constitution and amend the old and archaic laws.

Urging the government and concerned parties to implement the facilities working journalists specified in the Working Journalists Act and Regulations, the declaration has directed the FNJ to establish labour rights through trade unions employing collective bargaining.

Attention of the government has been drawn through the declaration to consider increasing the advertisements issued in the public interest and enforce the proportional distribution system for such adverts.

The government has been requested to give continuous recognition if the print media aspires to be converted to digital. Decision of erstwhile government in interest of working journalists such as free medical treatment in designated health facilities, accident and health insurance among others be effectively implemented, the declaration stated.

Moreover, all media houses have been urged to embrace diversity and plurality of the country and create an enabling environment for making the contents and physical infrastructures of the media house inclusive and disable-friendly and safe.

All concerned agencies have been appealed to create favorable environment for convenient availability of press pass to journalists. Also, attention of Press Council Nepal, Department of Information and Broadcasting, Advertisement Board has been drawn to scrap the impractical provisions and complicated procedures relating to registration, renewal and regulation of the media.

Compliance of journalist code of conduct has been underscored while media persons have been appealed to conduct dignified journalism. Furthermore, appeal has been made to all three-tier government for development of physical infrastructures besides preservation, promotion and conservation of tourist areas in Karnali Province.

In the conclusion of the general assembly, vote of thanks was extended to President Bidya Devi Bhandari, who inaugurated the assembly, Chief Minister of Karnali Province Jeevan Bahadur Shahi, leaders of various political leaders and representatives of local agencies as well as media persons and organizations related to journalists and FNJ members all over the country.