KATHMANDU: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government not to endorse any actions that restrict press and freedom of expression.

In a press release issued on Sunday, the commission expressed serious concern over recent incidents involving crackdowns, threats, and harassment against journalists and social media users for publishing news or expressing opinions through various media outlets and social networks.

The commission is closely monitoring these incidents and reports that responsible officials have threatened journalists and media houses, and arrest warrants have been issued against some journalists.

The statement cited Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966), both of which guarantee the right to hold opinions without interference.

It also referenced Nepal’s Constitution, which ensures full press freedom in its preamble and guarantees the right to communication without prior censorship under Article 19, as well as the right to freedom of thought and expression under Article 17.

The NHRC noted that these recent actions contradict human rights principles and violate Nepal’s constitutional guarantees of press freedom, the right to communication, and freedom of thought and expression. Such actions undermine democratic values and curb citizens’ liberties.