Press freedom and informed citizens play vital role to safeguard democracy : Minister Dr Rana

Lalitpur. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has identified a free press and informed citizens as guardians of democracy, calling for safeguarding press freedom.

Addressing the Lomanthang International Media Summit organised today in Lalitpur by the Nepal Press Union, she underscored that democracy is unimaginable without press freedom, and press freedom is essential for protecting democratic governance.

‘Freedom of speech, expression and press freedom are essential and important in the present era, and only through it, a democratic, prosperous and inclusive society can be built,’ she stressed, expressing the government’s full commitment to freedom of press and expression.

She highlighted that the constitution of Nepal has guaranteed press freedom not only under the fundamental rights but also in its preamble. Dr Rana underscored various challenges currently faced by democracy, resulting in the growing erosion of public trust in the country’s democratic institutions.

‘In such a situation, the press has an important role to play in restoring people’s hopes and upholding civil liberties.’ Urging strict adherence to the journalist code of conduct, she requested media persons to avoid contributing to misinformation and disinformation, which she said threaten democracy and social harmony.

She urged the building of a good society by disseminating truthful and authentic information. Furthermore, Dr Rana expressed gratitude to the summit organisers for including discussions on climate change, at a time when Nepal faces severe impacts from climate change.

She furthermore informed that Nepal is hosting the ‘Sagarmatha Sambad’, a global dialogue platform on climate change, scheduled to take place in Kathmandu from May 16 to 18. The dialogue is expected to be a milestone in raising awareness about the impact of climate change on Nepal, and promoting the country’s presence at the international level.

Dr Rana called on national and international journalists participating in the summit to help Nepal amplify advocacy for climate justice. ‘I sincerely request journalist friends from various countries to support Nepal’s advocacy for climate justice,’ she said. -RSS