How will the public know that the things they are seeing in the media are real or fake? These things directly impact society and are dangerous to journalism, society and democracy. However, there is also a much better awareness of the threats as well.
For instance, the member states of UNESCO have requested the organization to elaborate the guidelines for regulation of social media, which were first discussed at the Internet for Trust Conference this February held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. While maintaining freedom of expression and human rights remains a priority, member states are now reacting in a more proactive manner because negative trends and impacts of so-called “fake news” and disinformation are better understood. Ten years ago, social media was still somewhat new and we did not have the perspective we have now. We also did not fully understand the consequences. But after realizing that the things have to be balanced, things are getting easier, or at least we have a better sense of what we need to do. Is the world becoming a dangerous place for journalists? Unfortunately, yes. There continue to be problems due to conflicts; many journalists have died while covering the conflict in Ukraine, for example. There are issues of impunity and many countries continue to grapple with this. Journalists are unfortunately a popular and easy target. The online violence and hate speech have also played their part. In Nepal, while it would be a scandal if someone slapped a female journalist on the street, much worse things happen online—and almost with full impunity. If you are freelance or working for a smaller media house, it only gets more difficult. How is UNESCO helping to create a safer environment for journalists? Across the world, we observed the World Press Freedom Day, originally created to draw attention to the importance of the role that journalists and media professionals play by realizing and promoting press freedom. It’s also a day that UNESCO brings attention to the relation of press freedom with gender equality, safety, sustainable development, and all. This year marks the 75th anniversary of declaration of human rights and so, appropriately, this year’s World Press Freedom Day theme is “Shaping a future of rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”. After all, if you don’t have freedom to express yourself, how will you realize all your human rights? In terms of actions, UNESCO and a wide international partnership have been working on these issues for decades. But owing to the impact of what I have already described, I think we are seeing that coalition broaden significantly now—it’s far from a niche issue. “Fake news” and disinformation are impacting everyone, and this, for example, is why you see that the UN since 2019 has a plan of action for combating hate speech and promoting information integrity. It’s not just for UNESCO to push the issue, now we see more collective action across the system as it has grown into an important issue for the UN system. That said, UNESCO has its place, especially to use its convening power in this area to connect different stakeholders. It’s less about what we do than what we can enable. The organization continues to try to combat impunity and help member states be accountable for the judicial process on violence or killing of journalists. Every year, the director-general of UNESCO sends a letter to the member states asking for an update on the judicial proceedings. We don’t only condemn the heinous acts on journalists but try to hold the state accountable and follow up on it. What’s your opinion on Nepali media? In Nepal, the freedom of expression is generally in a healthy state as is overall press freedom. We can say that the media sector, especially in terms of its current development, is fragmented and not necessary in balance. To grow and protect the sector, media development needs to be approached in a holistic and strategic manner; all stakeholders like government, the private sector, I/NGOs have a role to play here with our media partners. An activity-based effort through conferences and training is not sufficient; we need to come together to build a common understanding that can empower a common approach. I believe that Nepal is an interesting place in terms of media freedom. As the country has been through a conflict, a transitional period, new constitution, elections and governments, there was so much to do in terms of governance. I think freedom of expression, perhaps rightly so, didn’t get a lot of attention because it seems like a simple issue when you consider that Nepalis strongly support freedom of expression; this is well covered in the constitution. But having the right enshrined and public and political support are not sufficient in this day and age. “Fake news”, disinformation and misinformation can upend progress when many people lack media literacy. People have easy access to smartphones and they know how to use them. But does that come with an understanding about how to use them responsibly? That is now the challenge for Nepal as it is in many countries. And we need to review the training and standards in the media. Media professionals play a critical role in society in educating us about a host of issues so we can make informed decisions from politics to purchases to play. It’s a role that comes with responsibility and prestige. So this is the time to review the working conditions, code of conduct and professionalism of journalists, complemented with updated legislation and the roll-out of media literacy programs. What is your message for Nepali media community? We are in a difficult time as a global community. We have to make some hard choices but the time has come to stand up with the principles because principles are under threat. And if we value freedom of expression, we need to realize that media professionals are always in the front line in any democracy and we need to act accordingly. Their role is difficult and what they draw attention to is not always pleasant to read but it is because they represent the consciousness of our society. In Nepal, the media community is doing the best it can. If we want them to maintain the work to protect democracy, on World Press Freedom Day, let’s at least spare a thought for what they do—and what we could do to help them. Nepal is trending up when so many countries in the world are trending down in terms of media, this is to be celebrated, yes, but it can’t be taken for granted. It has become something to protect. And not just for Nepal but for all of us, as I strongly believe Nepal can become a strong advocate and actor, not only in the region but globally. Viewed through a UNESCO lens, we see not just rich cultural and natural heritage, but a country that wears its cultural diversity well. In this, we see that Nepal is an actor which has so much potential to play a positive role in regional and international relationships. So, what happens in Nepal is important, not just for Nepal but for everyone.
