Without a free and independent media, true democracy is unattainable.

It is essential that the role of journalists and the media is respected as independent from the conflict.

Intimidation of journalists such as the searching of a newspaper office is an attempt at intimidating the media against a pro Tamil nationalism editorial stance.

The repression of all those daring to resist the autocratic regime represents a severe challenge to the restoration of democracy in Nepal.

The silencing and censoring of the media will only fuel misinformation and foster conditions for abuse, mistreatment and corruption.

Restrictions on foreign journalists represent a blatant violation of this right and seriously curtail the ability of the world's media to report in West Papua.