In a bid to exchange ideas on the promotion of peace and democracy in South Asia in line with Mahatma Gandhi's ideals for non-violence, Freedom Forum today organized a dialogue amidst the representatives of Gandhi Peace Foundation, India and other participants. The topic of the discussion was 'Peace and democracy in South Asia'. Chairperson of the Foundation Radha Bhatta said peace-promoting democracy is an exploration in entire South Asia, stressing that building peaceful and just society will be materialized when ideals of non-violence become the integral par of the society."It is detrimental for peace and democracy to see other as enemy. No matter how violence becomes powerful, it is the people who has utmost power to bring down any violence propagator or autocrats', she underlined.

Similarly, Foundation Vice-chairperson PV Rajagopal lambasted the India's current trend of inequitable development. 'India got independence but it is catastrophic that around three hundred thousands of farmers and workers committed suicide during the last ten years', he asserted, adding Indian independence has been the boon for the affluent groups to gain powers and it has not brought about anything to the poor.

"It should not be late to translate the Gandhian philosophy that people at the grassroots level should get the fruits of development", he added. Nepalese people who are engaging their efforts for charting out new Nepal should think tot hat direction from the very beginning, he suggested.Stuward Mortan, South Asia Coordinator of Peace Promoters of Quaker Peace Social Witness, the UK-based organization, said the pro-consumer economy has widened the gap between rich and poor, claiming that peace would not be restored in the South Asia till the prevailing gap is reduced.

Putting remarks at the programme, civil society representative Prof. Dr. Birendra Prasad Mishra said Gandhism is a life culture. "Till the politicians embrace simple living higher thinking as life-culture, the ideal thoughts will not transform lives and societies", he argued.Freedom Forum Chairperson Tara Nath Dahal said journalists should impart positive message towards promoting peace and democracy in the nooks and corners of the society.Freedom Forum has long been working for the peace and democracy in Nepal focusing on politically-indoctrinated youths for the last couple of years.

(ARTICLE 19/IFEX) - 8 July 2010 - ARTICLE 19 and Freedom Forum have outlined their concerns about the failure of the government of Nepal to protect the right to freedom of expression in a Submission to the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC). The Submission, filed in preparation of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Nepal at the tenth session of the Working Group on the UPR (January 2011), describes the current challenges to freedom of expression and freedom of information in Nepal, and highlights the perilous environment journalists and media workers operate in.

The joint Submission by ARTICLE 19 and Freedom Forum highlights the failure of the Interim Constitution, the Press and Publication Act and the National Broadcasting Act to comply with international standards on freedom of expression, and the failure of media regulation to promote independence and transparency.Citing examples of killings and violent assaults on journalists and media workers, the Submission brings to attention the risks faced by journalists and media workers and the lack of effective investigation and culture of impunity that has created a precedent whereby perpetrators see attacks pass without consequence.

ARTICLE 19 and Freedom Forum are also concerned about the lack of effective implementation of the Right to Information Act to give a full effect to the right to freedom of information, and the exclusion of vulnerable groups and minorities from the decision making process. ARTICLE 19 and Freedom Forum calls on the Human Rights Council to address the concerns raised in the Submission and to raise the following recommendations to the government of Nepal:

• The next Constitution of Nepal, due in 2011, must adequately protect the right to freedom of expression in line with international standards, in particular by defining restrictions and limitations that match international requirements.

• The government must amend the Press and Publication Act and the National Broadcasting Act to adequately protect the right to freedom of expression in line with international requirements and the protection of media guaranteed in the Constitution.

• Where regulation of the media must exist, the government must create regulatory laws according to international standards and establish regulatory bodies that are independent from government and that operate transparently.

• The government must create a safe environment for journalists and media workers and protect them against violent attacks.

• The government must conduct effective, impartial and speedy investigations into attacks on journalists and media workers, addressing political interference, and bring perpetrators of violence to justice. In particular, the government must conclude the investigations into the killings of Uma Singh, Jamim Shah and Arun Singhaniya, and prosecute the attackers.

• The government must implement the Right to Information Act and Regulations effectively, make the National Information Commission and Information Commissioners independent from government, and ensure that all people are aware of and able to realise the right to information.

• The government must continue to mandate representation of minority and vulnerable groups in decision making bodies to ensure that their voices are heard in all levels of decision-making.

Find the detailed Report on:  http://www.freedomforum.org.np/content/publications.html

The best competitors of ‘The 2010 South Asia Open Budgets Essay Competition’ were awarded and felicitated amid a programme organized here today. Freedom Forum organized the essay writing competition on the topic ‘Government Budget and My Future’ in collaboration with the US-based International Budget Partnership (IBP).  In the essay writing competition held among 136 students of grade 9-12 of five English-medium schools of the capital city, Bidushi Pokhrel of Graded English Medium School (GEMS), Dhapakhel stood first and received winner award of cash Rs. 37,500 along with certificate and token of love.

Every year, World Press Freedom Day provides an opportunity to affirm the importance of freedom of expression and press freedom – a fundamental human right enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On World Press Freedom Day 2010 UNESCO is highlighting the theme "Freedom of Information: the Right to Know."