Hanan Goder, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal, has said that media remains a prime ingredient of the discourse for preserving democracies, democratic inclusion, and democratic life.

Speaking at a program organized to mark the sixth anniversary of Media Action Nepal(MAN), a research-based media rights advocacy group, the Envoy said that Israel is very proud of what it has achieved in the last 73 years in the bilateral relation, Ambassador Goder added. Appreciating Nepal’s independent and inclusive media, he lauded Nepal’s press freedom.  The 6th anniversary was celebrated in Kathmandu on December 21 with a dialogue program on the foundations of independent and inclusive media.

Speaking at the same program, Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Murari Prasad Kharel, said that the state was not seen as liberal in granting freedom of the press even though it was mentioned in the constitution.

Chairperson of the National Women Commission Kamala Parajuli, said that the media sector was the carrier of inclusive social and gender transformation and that it should disseminate news in a fair and independent manner.

Chief Commissioner of the National Information Commission (NIC) Mahendra Man Gurung pointed out that a handful of journalists are exercising their right to seek information. He said that the media houses had failed to ensure the freedom of the press and inclusion guaranteed by the constitution of Nepal.

Laxman Datt Pant, MAN Chairperson stated that the organization has conducted various programs for the benefit of more than ten journalists since its inception. It has provided training and fellowships to more than 700 journalists since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.