Freedom Forum has submitted different resource documents related to media law and policies to newly appointed State Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Mr. Gokul Prasad Baskota on 9th April, 2018 with the objective of facilitating Mr. Baskota in making policy decisions in the field of information, communication and freedom of expression in the changed context. The main document comprises the review of different policies such as National Mass Communication Policy (NMCP) 2016, Online Media Operation Directive (OMOD) 2017, Freedom of expression related provision on the draft bill of Civil & Criminal Code, and Section 47 of Electronic Transaction Act 2008. FF congratulated Minister Baskota and expressed its commitment to work together with the government in the theme of press freedom, right to information, open and accountable government, internet freedom and vouch to continue its work to protect and promote freedom of expression in Nepal. Receiving the reference material, Baskota thanked FF for its initiation and assured that he is ready for the collaboration in coming days.
Freedom Forum is a prominent non-governmental organization in Nepal dedicated to institutionalizing democracy, protecting and promoting human rights, press freedom, freedom of expression, right to information, promoting audit accountability, open and accountable budget, public finance reforms, citizen engagement in public finance management and citizen participation in audit. Established in February 2005, the organization emerged in response to the political turmoil following Former King Gyanendra’s coup dated February 1, 2005, which imposed severe restrictions on media and democratic rights. A group of media professionals, legal experts, and academics founded Freedom Forum to safeguard Nepal’s hard-earned democratic freedoms during this repressive period.
