freedom1 Forum in collaboration with UNESCO, Kathmandu conducted three trainings on safety of journalists in Sindhupalchok, Saptari and Bardia. In a bid to enhance capacity of journalists working in conflict-ridden zone, a three-day training each was successfully concluded.
Altogether 51 participants comprising 17 from seven districts of central region, 17 from eight districts of eastern region and equally 17 from seven districts of mid-west region. The three slots of trainings were held at Melamchi of Sindhupalchowk in central region from August 22-24, Rajbiraj of Saptari in eastern region from Serptember 5-7 and Thakurdwara of Bardiya in the mid-west from Septermber 19-21.
Journalists were imparted practical knowledge and skills to deal with critical situation in conflict areas while reporting, boosting up their self-confidence in delivering professional journalism.
The trainings in all three slots were highly successful since journalists paid high interests to the issues dealt during the sessions. A roster of professional trainers including Forum’s Chairperson Dahal, Dharmendra Jha, representative from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Nepal Red Cross Society, security agencies and National Park had facilitated the trainings in the proposed project area. Use of resource persons from the agencies concerning journalists’ safety in the training had added value to the training offering a good opportunity to develop coordination with the concerned sectors.