His Majesty King Gyanendra

His Majesty King Gyanendra
(File Photo)

International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has urged His Majesty King Gyanendra to reinstate civil rights in the country.

IFJ is the global organisation representing more than 500,000 journalists in over 110 countries.

“The IFJ has now participated in two missions to Nepal, and on each occasion we have received, and welcomed, assurances from the Nepalese government that all the articles of its constitution guaranteeing basic rights are in force,” said IFJ President Christopher Warren in his letter to His Majesty the King.

“However, the daily reports of new media bans and attacks against journalists demonstrate that these assurances have meant nothing,” said the IFJ President.

“We need to step-up international pressure on the Nepal government, until it realises that it is utterly unacceptable that human rights and the right to free speech have been abandoned in Nepal,” said Warren.

The letter highlights international concern for the safety of journalists and condemns the government’s violations of civil liberties and human rights, a statement issued by the IFJ on Monday said. The letter to His Majesty is part of the ongoing campaign for press freedom and journalists’ safety in Nepal. A Global Day of Action for Press Freedom in Nepal on August 30 involving IFJ affiliates has been planned to express international disapproval to the King.

Widespread media bans and censorship have been enforced in Nepal since February 1 and all civil liberties have been suspended, the organisation claimed.

The IFJ participated in the International Advocacy Mission for Press Freedom in Nepal from July 10 to 16.

There has been no response from the Nepali authorities as yet regarding the IFJ letter.