FF representatives called for province network on FoE

A virtual meeting was organized January 12, 2024 to discuss among the province representatives on the activities to be conducted in provinces to build Freedom of Expression network for free and safe civic space. It was also a reconnection and refresher meeting with the representatives on their contribution to the province network. The meeting was initiated by Narayan Ghimire, who highlighted objective of meeting introduced briefly the network/mechanism of formation of freedom of expression in all the provinces and the representatives' role in its formation. FF Executive Chief Taranath Dahal described in length the province level safety mechanism/network of National Human Rights Commission guided by Directive relating to the protection and promotion of freedom of expression. The directive was (being) amended and NHRC's decision for its implementation awaited. Soon after NHRC makes its final decision its province level safety mechanism will also come into function. This mechanism involves participation from both the government and civil society sectors. Thus, FF aims to actively involve in the mechanism through its province representatives. Currently, FF is working in collaboration with NHRC to bring this mechanism into effect where FF will work as a facilitator to connect government bodies and civil society organizations- a multistakeholder approach in deed- for press freedom and freedom of expression. This network will be important to keep an eye upon activities related to journalists' safety and freedom of expression. It will also actively advocate and lobby for FoE friendly laws and policies in the provinces. Regular meetings will be held, joint investigation will be made on sensitive cases. Hence, FF as a pioneer organization working for press freedom and freedom of expression expects its participation in the network through the province representatives, said Mr. Dahal. On the occasion, Bikram Niraula, Koshi Province Representative, welcomed the initiative, expressing belief that it would help make FoE protection efforts more participatory. He also sought FF suggestions on Mass Communication Bill at Koshi Province Assembly. Madhes Province's Representative, Rajan Singh, said that the concept of forming FoE network in the province was praiseworthy as it will make the representatives' tasks on the issues surrounding foe more convenient and result-oriented. "Earlier we used to collect data on FoE and press freedom individually, which would now be a shared work," Rajan Upadhyaya, Gandaki Province Representative said, adding it will be important for us to advocate upon emerging issues including FoE on cyber space in the provinces in future. Lumbini Province Representative Sudeep Gautam also shared excitement that it would be good collaboration with human rights commission's province chapter and human rights defenders to protect FoE in the province. He said that while working closely with the constitutional bodies like NHRC, it will not only whet our skills but also continue constant vigil upon on anti-FoE elements. Karnali Province's Representative Laxmi Bhandari shared her experience of working with similar human rights defenders network in the province. "As I have been working with such network for two years, it will be easier for me to form a new network dedicated towards freedom of expression advocacy in the province in coordination with the NHRC province chapter."