Civil Society Briefing Paper - Media and JSSR

8/3/2019 Civil Society Briefing Paper - Media and JSSR

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Justice and Security Sector Reform:The Role of Civil Society

This briefing paper is aimed at local civil society activists, who are interested in learn-ing more about the issue of justice and security sector reform (JSSR) from a mediaperspective, both internationally and in Nepal. It forms part of an ongoing initiativewhich aims to enhance the ability of Nepalese civil society to inform and monitor the

development of JSSR policy and practice at the local, regional and national levels.The initiative does this by building civil society knowledge, awareness and capacity togenerate and qualitatively participate in JSSR-related debate across the country, whichwill ultimately inform and influence government policymaking.

The initiative is led by a six-member consortium of both international and national civilsociety organisations (CSOs). The members of the consortium are Antenna Foundation

Nepal (AFN), Equal Access Nepal (EAN), and Forum for Women, Law and Development(FWLD), Institute of Human Rights Communication Nepal (IHRICON), International Alertand Saferworld.

Altogether, the project has trained over 700 civil society representatives in Banke,Jumla, Kailali, Nawalparasi, Siraha and Sunsari districts. More than 30 media profes-sionals are provided with thematic and technical enhancement training resulting in aseries of radio programming in JSSR produced and broadcasted in Nepali and regional

languages. Dialogue programmes between local government, local police and judiciary,and civil society have also taken place in these districts and local civil society activistswere given support to lead their own advocacy initiatives for better security and justice in

their district and across Nepal.

Antenna Foundation Nepal, Equal Access Nepal, Forum for Women, Law and Development, Institutefor Human Rights Communication Nepal, International Aler t and Saferworld.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or

transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,without full attribution .

Cover photo: Radio producers and presenters recording for radio programme (Photo by Niroshan

Sthapit)

Graphic Design and Print:PagePerfect, Kathmandu


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Issue 3: Media and JSSR

Justice and Security Sector Reform in Nepal

Civil Society Briefing Paper

April 2011


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AcknowledgmentsThis briefing paper was jointly developed by Antenna Foundation Nepal, Equal AccessNepal, Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD), Institute of Human Rights

Communication Nepal (IHRICON), International Alert and Saferworld. The briefingpaper draws on the ideas and previous work of a number of organisations.

The development and production of this brief was made possible by the support of theEmbassy of Denmark.


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Contents

Abbreviations and Acronyms IV

1. Introduction 1

2. Background: Media in Nepal 2

3. Media and the Peace Process 3

4. Media and JSSR 5

5. Good and Bad Media Practices 7

6. Using Radio to Create Debate and Awareness:Nepal Chautari and Naya Nepal 9Nepal Chautari 9

Naya Nepal 10

7. Challenges to Media Reporting on JSSR Issues 11

8. Strengthening Medias Role in JSSR: Some Suggestions 13


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Abbreviations and Acronyms

AFN Antenna Foundation Nepal

CSO Civil society organisation

EAN Equal Access Nepal

FNJ Federation of Nepali Journalists

FWLD Forum for Women, Law and Development

IHRICON Institute of Human Rights Communication Nepal

JSSR Justice and security sector reform

OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development


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Justice and Security Sector Reform in Nepal

Civil Society Briefing Paper

1. Introduction

This paper provides an introduction to the important role of the media in contributing tojustice and security sector reform (JSSR), including practical examples and recommendations.

Media can contribute to JSSR processes in a number of ways, including by raising awareness,bringing citizens voices to the attention of policymakers and drawing attention to key gaps insecurity and justice provision.

This briefing is designed as a resource for civil society organisations (CSOs), media houses

and journalists engaged in the oversight of the security and justice sector as well as thosethat seek to play a more active role in this regard. This paper is also relevant for policymakers

and officials in national government that are engaged in designing and implementing JSSRprocesses and programmes.

Box 1. What is Justice and Security Sector Reform?

JSSR aims to create a secure environment that supports and enables development, poverty

reduction, good governance and democracy. This includes empowering ordinary citizens tooversee and ensure the provision of accountable security and justice at local and nationallevels. Hence, a broader range of state institutions are involved in the provision of security,with the military seen as one actor among many. The justice and security sector includestraditional security actors, such as the armed forces and police; oversight bodies, such asthe executive and legislature; CSOs; justice and law-enforcement institutions, such as the

judiciary and prisons; as well as non-state security providers, such as indigenousmechanisms or non-state armed groups.

Source:Justice and security sector reform in Nepal: Briefing paper for civil society, March, 2010.


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2 Civil Society Briefing Paper: Media and JSSR

2. Background: Media in Nepal

Until 1990 the primary source of public information and news in Nepal was throughgovernment-owned media sources such as the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (National NewsAgency, Gorkhapatra publications, Radio Nepal and Nepal Television. Then the peoples

movement of 1990 saw the restoration of multi-party democracy in the country, resultingin a new constitution that guaranteed press freedom, right to information and freedom ofexpression.1

The growth of the private sectors involvement in media has continued almost unabatedsince 1990. The Nepali public now have an ever-growing choice of sources of information andentertainment. Faced with this competition, the government media has also had to change to

meet public demand for a wider range of information and services.

Private sector involvement in FM radio began with the establishment of Radio Sagarmatha,South Asias first independent community radio, in 1997 and it has increased since then.

Currently, 364 radio licences have been issued to radio stations around the country.2 Thepopularity of radio in Nepal results from low levels of literacy (currently around 62 per cent)3

and the mountainous terrain, which means that many cannot read or access print media. Even

today, only a small percentage of households in Nepal own television sets.

The surge in the number of media houses has been instrumental in disseminating information,filling an information void and thus helping people to make informed choices and opinions. The

rise in radio stations has been credited with increasing socio-political discussion at the locallevel and building social, economic and political consciousness among the Nepali public. How-

ever, the same surge in the sources of information has also presented its own set of problems,which will be discussed in this paper.

1 Constitution of Kingdom of Nepal 1990, Part 3: Fundamental Rights, Article 12: Right to freedom, Article 13: Press andPublication Right, Article 16: Right to information.

2 Government of Nepal, Ministry of Information and Communication, accessed 31st March 2011. Available at http://www.moic.gov.np

3 Government of Nepal, Central Bureau of Statistics, accessed 31st March 2011. Available at http://www.cbs.gov.np/Surveys/NLSS/literacy_and_education.htm


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Justice and Security Sector Reform in Nepal 3

3. Media and the Peace Process

Nepal is currently moving through a difficult post-conflict transition, and debates around JSSRare a key feature of this transition. Media played both a positive and negative role during theconflict. It experienced pressure from the conflicting parties and occasionally got carried away

by the propaganda. Professional journalists are not directly responsible for reducing conflictbut they do have a duty to present accurate and impartial information. It is often through clearand good reporting that conflict is reduced and the conditions for peace, such as trust and un-

derstanding, are built. In the current political transition in Nepal, the media still has a vital roleto play, ensuring public oversight of political actors and the continued involvement of the Nepalipublic in debate and discussion about the countrys future.

These are several elements of conflict resolution and peacebuilding that good journalism candeliver, automatically, as a part of its daily work.4

1. Channelling communication: The media is often the most important channel ofcommunication that exists between sides in a conflict. Sometimes the media is used byone side to broadcast intimidating messages. But at other times the parties speak to eachother through the media or through specific journalists.

2. Educating: Each side needs to know about the other sides difficulty in moving towardsreconciliation. Journalism which explores each sides particular difficulties, such as itspolitics or powerful interest, can help educate the other side to avoid demands for

simplistic and immediate solutions.

3. Confidence-building: Lack of trust is a major factor contributing to conflict. The mediacan reduce suspicion by digging into hot issues and revealing them so there are no se-

crets to fear. Good journalism can also present information that shows resolution is pos-sible by giving examples from other places and by explaining local efforts at reconciliation.

4. Correcting misperceptions: By examining and reporting on the two sidesmisperceptions of each other, the media encourages disputing sides to revise their viewsand move closer to reducing conflict.

5. Making them human: Getting to know the other side, giving them names and faces,is an essential step. This is why negotiators put the two sides in the same room. Good

journalism also does this by putting real people in the story and describing how the issue

affects them.

6. Identifying underlying interests: In a conflict, both sides need to understand thebottom-line interest of the other. Good reporting does this by asking tough questions and

seeking out the real meaning of what leaders say. Good reporting also looks beyond theleaders interests and seeks the larger groups interest.

4 Adapted from R. Howard (2003). Conflict sensitive journalism: A handbook. Copenhagen, Denmark: IMS and IMPACS.


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7. Emotional outlet: In conflict resolution, there must be outlets for each side to expresstheir grievances or anger or they will explode in frustration and make things worse. Themedia can provide important outlets by allowing both sides to speak. Many disputes can

be fought out in the media, instead of in the streets, and the conflict can be addressedbefore it turns violent.

8. Framing the conflict: In a conflict, describing the problem in a different way can reducetensions and launch negotiations. In good journalism, editors and reporters are alwayslooking for a different angle, an alternative view, a new insight which will still attract anaudience to the same story. Good journalism can help reframe conflicts for the two sides.

9. Face-saving, consensus-building: When two parties try to resolve a conflict, they mustcalm the fears of their supporters. By supporting what they say, the media allows theleaders in a conflict to conduct face-saving and consensus-building, even reaching to

refugees and exiles in faraway places.

10. Solution-building: In a conflict, both sides must eventually present specific proposals torespond to grievances. On a daily basis good reporting does this by asking the disputingparties for their solution instead of just repeating their rhetoric of grievances. Good journal-ism is a constant process of seeking solutions.

11. Encouraging balance of power: Conflicting groups, regardless of inequalities, have tobelieve they will be given attention if they meet the other sides in negotiations. Good

journalism encourages negotiation because the reporting is impartial and balanced. Itgives attention to all sides and encourages a balance of power for the purpose of hearing

grievances and seeking solutions.


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4. Media and JSSR

Effective JSSR is only possible if it reflects the interests and concerns of the population.Because of this, there is a need for mechanisms to raise awareness of the need for overseeingand supporting effective JSSR. As a key part of civil society, the media also has a central roleto play in fulfilling these core functions. 5

Due to the differences in their institutional cultures and goals, the media and the justice andsecurity sector actors often do not have strong or constructive relationships. However, they aremutually dependent and both can benefit from working more closely together:

Justice and Security Sector actors need the media to inform the public about theirroles and responsibilities and maintain public support. While independent reporting is

necessary to hold justice and security institutions to account, the media are largelydependent on Justice and Security Sector institutions for information about justice andsecurity policies and procedures.

5 For more information on civil societys role in JSSR, please see: Antenna Foundation Nepal et. al (March 2010). Justice andSecurity Sector Reform in Nepal: Civil Society Briefing Paper. Issue 1.

Parcipants of JSSR sharing meeng with the donors, organized by the JSSR Consorum on July 7, 2011

at Kathmandu.


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The media can act as a platform for justice and security actors and the population toidentify, discuss and debate justice and security problems and identify solutions, whilealso promoting stronger relationships between justice and security sector actors and thepublic.

During the period of armed conflict and insecurity, the media is essential for providinginformation to the public about ongoing operations.

A cooperative relationship between the police and the media can help to educate thepublic, but risks undermining media scrutiny of the police. Media scrutiny of the police canestablish accountability for specific incidents.6

One of the most important roles that the media plays is linking grass-roots voices to the policylevel. The media raises awareness of JSSR issues and their importance for local populations.By providing expertise and knowledge, or conducting primary research, the media exposes

flaws or contradictions in decision-making and promotes positive practices. It also plays therole of a watchdog by monitoring implementation and ongoing practices. Moreover, the me-dia plays a significant role in JSSR by creating spaces for Justice and Security Sector actorsand grass-roots audiences to interact with each other and developing mechanisms to create

accountability in the justice and security sector.

6 M. Caparini (Ed.) (2004). Media in security and governance: The role of the news media in security. Nomos / Bonn Interna-tional Center for Conversion (BICC) / Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF).


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5. Good and Bad Media Practices

There are many positive examples of media contributing to improved security and justiceprovision. However, there are also examples of where the media or individual journalists havecontributed to insecurity, exacerbated conflict or damaged the process of providing fair justice.

Journalists have a responsibility to report on JSSR issues with accuracy and sensitivity toavoid causing conflict or preventing justice and security sector providers from doing their jobseffectively. The following are some of the guidelines journalists need to use to cover any JSSR

issue positively:7

Be objective, factual and sensitive

Ensure accurate language and terminology

Dont stereotype security agencies like the Nepal Police or Nepal Army

Case Study 1: The Consequences of Poor Reporting

In December 2000 violent protests erupted on streets of Kathmandu against Indianactor Hrithik Roshan following the medias reporting of his alleged derogatory commentsagainst Nepal.The first news about the protest against the actor and his remarks by youthinChitwan was carried by a local newspaper and later picked up by the mainstreammedia without proper verification and research. Sensational reporting on the issue actedas a catalyst, resulting in violence not only against the Indian actor but also againstcommunal harmony, with people of Indian origin also being targeted by protestors. Theincident resulted in the death of at least four persons with public and private property alsoattacked and vandalised.

However, Nepals media does seem to be learning from its past mistakes. In contrast to themedias alleged role in aggravating the above situation, its role in covering the killing of alocal leader in Kapilvastu district on September 16, 2007 and its aftermath was cited by manyas being positive and constructive. Overall, the media showed sensitivity and tolerance inreporting on the violence that followed the killing of Moin Khan, a local leader. The media,with the support of leaders of civil society and human rights activists, played a crucial role inpromoting peace and cohesion and preventing the violence from becoming communal.

Learning from experience, many media houses and journalists are now cautious aboutreporting news that may create panic and promote insecurity, such as the calling of bandhs.

Nepal protests heat up, BBC News. Available at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1090264.stm Newly elected president of the FNJ Mr Shiva Gaule, paper at the national conference on Constructive Role for Public

Security in Nepal in September 2010, as par t of a project coordinated by International Alert and

7 Adapted from the Guidelines on HIV and Media, The Press Council of India, October 2008.


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Uphold confidentiality and obtain informed consent Avoid discrimination

Ensure gender-sensitive reporting

Ensure balanced and responsible coverageThe guidelines emphasise that journalists must ensure their story is objective, factual andsensitive. This includes highlighting positive stories where appropriate, without underplaying

the fact that JSSR is an issue that should be dealt with by government ministries. Telling thewhole story means giving it a human face, and allowing the voices of people to be heard.

Accuracy of reporting is critical since important personal and policy decisions may be

influenced by media reports. Distortion of facts in any manner therefore risks having adetrimental impact on personal and policy decisions.

Until and unless media reporting effectively follows the Code of Conduct,8 is positive and

provides balanced viewpoints, those responsible for the justice and security sectors will notentertain journalists. Journalists are stereotyped as negative by the security people or arecontacted only when there is what is considered to be a newsworthy incident. However, the

media also has responsibility for this dynamic, as it rarely portrays security agencies aspro-people or friendly. Therefore, to initiate two-way dialogues between the people and secu-rity agencies, the media needs to act as a bridge. This can only be achieved through value

positive reporting.

8 Journalist Code of Conduct 2003, amended and revised 2008, Nepal Press Council and Federation of Nepali Journalists(FNJ).


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6. Using Radio to Create Debate and Awareness:

Nepal Chautari and Naya Nepal

Given radios advantages over other media in Nepal in terms of its outreach to grass-rootsrural communities, this medium has recently been used as a tool to generate awareness

and discuss current security and justice challenges and JSSR developments. Two organisa-tions dedicated to media development and public service broadcasting EAN and AFN led the implementation of these radio programmes, which were produced both nationally inNepali and locally in regional languages.9 The use of local-language radio programmes helped

to overcome language barriers and reach out to those communities where Nepali-languageprogrammes often fail to make the impact desired.

Nepal Chautari

The national live talk show produced by AFN is broadcast through 50 radio stations every

Sunday from 8:10 a.m. to 9 a.m. under the banner Nepal Chautari. The talk show hosts guestsfrom the justice and security sector, who respond to questions put to them by the national au-dience via SMS, phone and email. In doing so, Nepal Chautari provides a platform to bridgethe communication gap between the general public and central-level decision-makers. The talk

show also provides a space for members of the public to put forward their voices and raisetheir concerns, and for decision-makers to communicate the latest developments in securityand justice policy and practice. In many cases, guests have responded directly to listeners

concerns with advice and commitment to seek solutions.

Case Study 2: Radio as a Facilitator for Social Change

In Lahan, Siraha, the Sarki community (Cobblers), is considered untouchable by othercommunities. Koshila Mijar, a Sarki, was severely beaten up by Padam Kumari Mahat, anupper caste woman, when Koshila demanded that she be allowed to use the public well. Hercomplaint against discrimination was not even registered by local police. The victims familywith the help of the Center for Monitoring Crime Against Untouchables in Siraha, madeits plight public through Samad FMs Justice and Security Programme, Nagarik Kachahari.The public spotlight forced the area police station in Golbazaar to register the petition, arrestthe alleged perpetrators and file a public case. The upper caste community was fined NRs25,000 and the well is now being used by both communities. Moreover, Police InspectorRamesh Bhattarai has vowed to beingstrict legal action if any such incidents happen again.

Source: Chandra Narayan Chaudhary, Producer, Nagarik Kachahari, Radio Samad, Siraha

9 Local language radio programmes were producted in Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, etc.


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Naya Nepal

,Naya Nepal is a 30-minute magazine-format programme that includes drama, interviews andvox populi from the communities, as well as call-ins and SMS polling. This format has been

found to make it easier for people to gain knowledge of complex issues in an entertaining wayand is particularly popular with young people.10With support from EANs community and youthreporter network located across five major cities, Naya Nepal provides a platform for people

across the country to present their voices and opinions on various JSSR issues and hassparked greater public debate on issues that were previously seen as taboo.

The use of local- and central-level radio programmes with different formats has enabled

AFN and EAN to reach out to a vast range of people across the country to gather opinions,concerns and ideas on various issues relating to JSSR. Experience has shown that, as well ascreating awareness and giving a platform to previously unheard voices, the media can bring

a strong sense of accountability to the justice and security sector. Media follow-ups with thepeople in decision-making positions on their commitments have created a moral obligation to

implement promises .

Case Study 3: Radio as a Tool to Bridge Communication Gaps

Radio Karnali in Jumla broadcast one episode of its local Naya Nepal programme on theissue of women police. The programme raised the question: Do women police feel safe withinthe police force. Following the programme, women police officers reported that the head of thepolice in the district and other senior police officers had called a meeting with women policeto discuss their concerns and began working together to solve them.

Police and other JSSR stakeholders in Jumla are supporting FM stations by raising their voiceon particular issues, providing information and generally participating in the radio programme.In doing so, they are contributing to deepen constructive dialogue towards the reform of thecurrent justice and security sector.

Source: Gorakh Bahadur Thapa, Station Manager, Radio Karnali

10Broadcast Audience Survey 2007, EAN. Available at http://www.nepalradio.org/nepalradio/Survey-Reports.html


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7. Challenges to Media Reporting on JSSR Issues

Despite the potential for the media to play a vital role in strengthening debate on and demandfor JSSR, the media also faces considerable and multilayered challenges in doing so. A numberof trends threaten to hinder the medias ability to act as a watchdog of the security sector:

The media itself is a victim of insecurity.

Many media representatives, particularly those based in the Terai, report security threatsduring travel, and in a few cases physical intimidation because of particular reports that theyhave written. As a result of such threats, some journalists are self-censoring, deciding not tocover certain cases due to the fear of reprisals from the parties concerned.

Key stakeholders lack trust in the media.

A general distrust of the media means that very few people in official positions agree to talk

on-record about certain issues, leading to a lack of diversity in voices/opinions in reporting.This is particularly the case given the sensitivity of the issue. Bad media practices have also

11 The Working Journalist Act 1993 (revised 2007) demands basic salary and other facilities, including issuance of appointmentletters, for journalists.

Street drama on domesc violence.


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contributed to this situation of mistrust whereby interviewees fear misinterpretation of theiropinions and therefore prefer to remain silent.

The media sector is competitive and poorly regulated.Television and radio stations in particular compete for audiences in an increasinglycompetitive market. This means that producers and editors prioritise the most sensational

and attention-grabbing stories, without necessarily ensuring all of the facts are correct. Inaddition, poor government regulation means that almost anyone can set up a TV or radio sta-tion. In recent years Nepal has witnessed a rise in radio stations with partisan interests and

strong political leanings.

Journalists are underpaid and overworked.

Many local-level journalists and reporters are barely paid the minimum wage, as many me-dia houses have failed to implement the Working Journalist Act, which ensures the profes-sional rights and security of journalists.11 Lack of fulfilment of basic needs means that manyqualified and experienced journalists are forced to leave the sector, leading to a deficit of qualified

human resources, which ultimately affects professionalism and quality of journalism.

Socio-cultural barriers affect JSSR reporting.

When working in many diverse communities, reporters face particular socio-cultural obstaclesto carrying out their role effectively. For example, female journalists located in the southern

Terai region find it difficult to travel outside their community to report on issues because of thedeep-rooted socio-cultural discrimination they have to endure, particularly in the highly patriar-

chal Madhesi and Muslim communities.


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8. Strengthening Medias Role in JSSR:

Some Suggestions

Given the current transition in Nepal, the role of the media as a link between the grass-rootsand policymaking levels, and as a public watchdog is more important than ever before. In order

for the media to play this role, however, it first needs to improve its own image and practices,and it requires support from the government to do so.

The following recommendations are aimed at the media sector and civil society and come from

our own experience of producing radio programmes, in consultation with experts and based oncurrent knowledge and analysis of JSSR issues:

The Nepali media needs to better prepare its journalists to cater to the needs ofmarginalised groups and understand their sensitivities and cultural differences in order

to provide a strong and open platform for such groups. This could be done throughcapacity-building approaches, such as training and awareness-raising workshops onconflict sensitivity as well as technical training.

The successful use of mobile texting (SMS) and telephone technology to connectlocal communities to the central-level decision-makers demonstrates the huge

potential of technology in Nepals media sector. Journalists and media houses needmore information about the relevant advances in information technologies and howthese can be used for information dissemination as well as information collection.

Given the security threats facing journalists, personal security and safety training shouldbe incorporated as an essential part of any media training.

More work needs to be done and different models tried out to make information flowsa seamless two-way process. Rather than information flowing from the central to locallevel only, the media needs to develop new and innovative ways to ensure informationflows from the local to the central level in the same capacity and volume.

Security personnel should be provided with knowledge and information on theimportance of press freedom and their role in promoting it, in coordination with civilsociety. Such a step would support and promote healthier working relationships be-tween media and security actors.

The Working Journalist Act and other relevant acts that promote and secure journalists

professionalism and security should be effectively implemented by the government ofNepal. Implementation of such laws/acts would promote and ensure professionalism as

well as the growth of the media sector.

Civil society should recognise and include media as a strong partner in information,awareness-raising and advocacy campaigns.


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Radio Programme Broadcasting Details

Nepal Chautari (Local Version)

Radio Station Name ofProgramme

District Language Timing

RadioJanakpur

Ganthan Manthan Dhanusha Maithili Thursdays8:10 a.m.

Samad FM Nagarik Kachahari Siraha Tharu Tuesdays8:00 a.m.

Vijaya FM Bidhiko Sashan Nawalparasi Nepali Wednesdays5:30 p.m.

Bageshwori FM Nyaya ra Surakshya Banke Nepali Mondays8:15 a.m.

Shuklaphata FM Nagarikka NazarmaNyaya

Kanchanpur Nepali Tuesdays7:15 a.m.

NarayaniFM

Bidhiko Sashan Parsa Nepali Thursdays

8:15 a.m.

Naya Nepal (Local Version)

Radio Station Name ofProgramme

District Language Timing

Dinesh FM Kailali Tharu Everyday,10:3010:45

p.m.

Radio Karnali Naya Nepal Jumla Nepali Fridays7:007:30 a.m.

Saptakoshi FM Nava Nepal Sunsari Maithili --

Radio Paribartan Youth Circle Sunsari Nepali Fridays4:005:00 p.m.

Sanskar FM Nava Udaya Bara Bhojpuri Wednesdays

7:007:30 p.m.

Radio Highway Pariwartan Dang Tharu + Nepali Saturdays5:005:30 p.m.

Popular FM Yuva Aawaz Sunsari Maithili + Nepali Wednesdays7:008:00 p.m.


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Where can I get more information?

There are a number of resources available on JSSR and media, including:

Nepal Press Council (NPC), located at Sinamangal, Kathmandu, is a statutory body setup by Government of Nepal to promote the standards of a free press and to advise thegovernment on matters relating to the development of healthy and credible journalism.

Major responsibility of NPC includes development of the code of conduct for journalists,monitor the standards of Nepali media and deal with complaints against the abuse ofpress freedom. See www.presscouncilnepal.org or contact 01 4112678

Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) is an umbrella organisation of professionalmedia-persons. FNJ aims to safeguard the welfare of all working journalists andprotect their rights and amenities. It engages in the development of a responsible andaccountable media and promotes the idea of press freedom. See http://www.fnjnepal.

org or contact 01 4112763

Media in security and governance: The role of the news media in security.Available at http://www.ssrnetwork.net/document_library/detail/3966/media-in-security-

and-governance-the-role-of-the-news-media-in-security

Building integrity through SSR: The role of media and civil society. Available athttp://www.ssrresourcecentre.org/2010/07/28/building-integrity-through-ssr/

www.mediamanch.net, a social networking website of Nepalese professional journalists.

Broadcasters Code of Conduct and Operations Guideline (revised 2010).EAN in collaboration with USAID/NTI developed this in 2008; it is available at EANsoffice located in Jhamsikhel Lalitpur.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2007).OECD-DAC handbook on security system reform: Supporting security and justice. Paris, France:Development Assistance Committee (DAC), OECD. Available at http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/43/25/38406485.pdf

Global Facilitation Network for Security Sector Reform (GFN SSR) (2007). Abeginners guide to security sector reform (SSR). Birmingham, UK: GFN SSR. (This andmore resources are availab le on the GFN SSR website: www.ssrnetwork.net.)

DCAF, OSCE/OIDHR, UN-INSTRAW (2008).Gender and security sector reform toolkit.Geneva, Switzerland: DCAF. (This toolkit is available online at www.dcaf.ch, www.un-instraw.org and www.osce.org/odihr. For further information on gender and SSR issues,

the UN-INSTRAW website is particularly useful.)


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The Friends for Peace Resource Centre, located in Mid Baneshwor, Kathmandu, hasone of the largest libraries for peace and conflict resources in Nepal, including books

and information on JSSR. See http://www.ffp.org.np/library.htm or call 01 4480406 formore details.

National Institute for Strategic Studies, located at Panipokhari, Kathmandu, Nepal.Log on to www.niss.org.np.or contact 01 4002585.

Center for Constitutional Dialogue (CCD)is a resource centre esta-blished to supportconstitution-making process in Nepal by providing training opportunities, expert advice,information and dialogue space, as well as promoting public awareness. Anyone whois interested in the constitution-making process could visit this centre and get the

information. See www.ccd.org.np or contact 01 4785998/4785486/4785466.

Nepal Institute for Policy Studies, is a research organisation focused on policy-oriented

studies particularly on security and democracy. It coordinates a series of research onvarious aspects of security, including public security, integration and reintegration, anddemocratic control of security forces, etc., and it produces regular journals on relevant

issues. For more details, log on to www.nipsnepal.org or contact 01 4484873.


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The Consortium Partners

Antenna Foundation Nepal (AFN) is an independent, non-governmental and non-profitorganisation, dedicated to the development of public service broadcasting in Nepal.It uses radio and television media to raise awareness on key social issues in Nepal,

via a network of national and local broadcast partners. For more details, please visit www.afn.org.np

Equal Access Nepal (EAN) creates positive change for large numbers of people byproviding information and education through targeted content, cost-effective tech-

nology and community engagement. EAN broadcasts hours of social developmentprogrammes daily via Nepali and local-language satellite radio that reaches over 20

million people. For more details, please visit www.equalaccess.org

Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD) was founded with the aim ofprotecting and promoting womens human rights enshrined within CEDAW and focuses

largely on the implementation of international instruments such as UNSCR 1325. FWLDs

activities include research into the legal status of Nepali women, rights-based advocacy,public interest litigation, public education, media campaigning and training. FWLD has a strong

community support network of well-trained activists and works in close collaboration withgovernment and is a member of the governments GBV steering committee. For more

details, please visitwww.fwld.org.np

Institute of Human Rights Communication Nepal (IHRICON)is a non-profit, non-politicalhuman rights NGO established by a group of media professionals. IHRICON has been

actively involved in human rights monitoring, reporting and advocacy along with implementinginnovative and high-profile advocacy campaigns that endeavour to bring positive chang-es to human rights-related issues. The organisation has excellent grassroots networks

throughout Nepal. For more details, please visitwww.ihricon.org.np

International Alert is an independent peacebuilding organisation working inover 20 countries and territories around the world. Its dual approach involves

working directly with people affected by violent conflict as well as at govern-ment, EU and UN levels to shape both policy and practice in building sustain-able peace. Alerts regional work is based in the African Great Lakes, West

Africa, the Caucasus, the Andean region of South America, Sri Lanka, Nepaland the Philippines. At both regional and international levels, its thematic work

focuses on the role of business, humanitarian aid and development, gender, security and post-conflictreconstruction in the context of building peace. Alert has worked in Nepal since 2002, with a focus on

developing local capacity for peace, particularly within the fields of community security and economicrecovery. For more details, please visit www.international-alert.org

Saferworldworks to prevent and reduce violent conflict and promote coop-erative approaches to security. Since its establishment in 1989, Saferworld

has made significant progress on a range of conflict-prevention issues, in-cluding promoting conflict-sensitive approaches to development and secu-

rity provision, and promoting effective and accountable security and justicesector development. Saferworld has worked in Asia since 2001, focusing on

Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka as well as supporting civil society partnerselsewhere in the region including India and Pakistan. In Nepal, Saferworlds programme focuses on en-suring public and civil society involvement in security and justice sector development. For more details,

please visit www.saferworld.org.uk


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Civil Society Briefing Paper - Media and JSSR

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