From: Carmen Carvajal <carmen.carvajal@amarc.org>
(sent to the WSIS Plenary list; unfortunately, the attachments are not included,
but I pasted the press release)
July 27, 2005
The World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) is
launching a solidarity campaign in favour of freedom of expression and
the right to communicate of the FM and community radios in Nepal. /(See
July 17^th press release--copied below.)
=======
Press Release:
AMARC Calls for Solidarity with Community and Independent Radios in Nepal
Kathmandu, Nepal, July 17, 2005. The World Association of Community Radio
Broadcasters (AMARC), called today for a global solidarity campaign in favour of
freedom of expression and communication rights of the Community and independent
Radio Stations of Nepal.
"The international solidarity campaign calls for letters demanding the
Government of Nepal, including the Royal Palace and the offices of Royal Nepal
Army, to lift the ban on news and public affairs programs in radio. The campaign
also calls for increased exchanges between the Nepalese radios and the
world-wide community radio network," declared Marcelo Solervicens, Secretary
General of AMARC.
Until the Royal takeover of February 2005, the Nepalese Community radio stations
served as an example in the struggle of radio practitioners against state
monopoly of radio in South-Asia. The ban on news and public affairs programs
also affects community radio in their contribution to community empowerment,
sustainable development, inclusiveness and poverty reduction. The ban on news
and public affairs programs leaves Nepalese listeners with the state radio as
the only source of radio information as even the popular BBC news, an integral
part of the radio spectrum in Nepal, is being blocked.
The campaign is part of the international support activities to media
organisations in Nepal that followed the International Advocacy Mission for
Press Freedom in Nepal held between 10 and 16 of July 2005. This International
Mission was carried out by twelve leading international organisations including
UNESCO, the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC), ARTICLE
19, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), International Federation of
Journalists (IFJ), International Media Support (IMS), International Press
Institute (IPI), South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA), Reporters Sans
Frontiers (RSF), World Association of Newspapers (WAN), World Press Freedom
(WPF), and Press Institute of India (PII).
In the final statement (http://www.amarc.org) the International Organisations
"Clearly note the fact that FM and community radio stations in many countries
around the world do indeed broadcast news and that radio stations in Nepal
should not be prevented from broadcasting news in compliance with the
constitution, Supreme Court decision and national legislation". The
International mission also reported harassment and intimidation of printed media
and of community and independent radios and expressed awareness that all
combatants in the conflict have been responsible for abusing and contravening
press freedom and freedom of expression.
For further information, please contact:
AMARC, International Secretariat
705 Bourget Street, Suite 100
Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H4C 2M6
Tel : +1-514-982-0351
Fax : +1-514 849-7129
email: amarc@amarc.org
============
We are encouraging community radio stations and their partners worldwide
to write and send letters to the government of Nepal asking it to lift
the ban orders that prohibit FM and community radios to broadcast news
and current affairs. /(See Campaign Letter suggested)/
The current situation of FM and Community radio stations in Nepal is an
example of the fragility of freedom of expression and communication
rights in many parts of the world. It is very important for the world
community radio movement to join efforts in this type of situations and
to raise awareness among governments, such as the Nepalese government,
about the work and value of FM and Community Radio stations. /(See
Mission Statement by International Organizations)/
To contribute to this campaign, please read the following documents,
complete, sign and send the suggested Campaign Letter:
* Press release distributed on July 17th (English)
* Mission Statement by International Organizations, International Press
Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission to Nepal
* Campaign Letter suggested (English).
Please note that all support letters must be sent to Nepal in ENGLISH
and preferably sent to all three addresses provided in the Campaign
Letter. You can send your letter duly completed and signed:
* By fax
* By e-mail (scaned, pdf format)
In all cases, please send a copy of each letter you send to:
*The International Secretariat of AMARC at: amarc@amarc.org or Fax: (514)
849-7129.
*Central Struggle Committee 2005 Save Independent Radio Movement (SIRM), Nepal
_rmainali@wlink.com.np <mailto:rmainali@wlink.com.np>_ or Fax: +977 1 426-1191
For more information, please call AMARC at (514) 982-0351