United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Frankle de la Rue calls on Chairperson of Constituent Assembly (CA), Constitutional Committee Nilambar Acharya at CA Secretariat in New Baneswor, Kathmandu on November 6. 

 

During the meeting, the Special Rapporteur recommended the Committee to fully guarantee the right to freedom of expression in the new constitution in line with the international standards especially focusing on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). 

 

'Freedom of expression is a key to make democracy live and functional, without which no other human rights could thrive', he said, adding it is very crucial time for Nepal to move ahead to make human rights friendly constitution. 

 

In response, CC Chairperson Acharya said the CA is fully committed and effortful to ensure the provisions of freedom of expression, right to information, human rights and media freedom in compliance with the international standards and practices. 

 

Matters related to ongoing peace process were also discussed between Frankel and Acharya. The Special Rapporteur briefly shared the Guatemala's experience of peace process contextualizing in Nepal's long efforts for delivering sustainable peace and full human rights. 

 

On the occasion, Freedom Forum Chairperson Taranath Dahal, who was also present in the meeting, had facilitated the current issues of freedom of expression and right to information in Nepal. 

 

Special Rapportuer Frankle had arrived Nepal to deliver key note speech in a regional meeting on internet freedom that took place in Kathmandu on November 5. 

 

Freedom Forum had arranged the meeting between the Special Rapporteur and CC Chairperson Acharya.