International Reports Expose Nepal’s Human Rights Challenges
Various international reports have highlighted Nepal’s human rights challenges, with significant emphasis on digital rights issues. The 2023 Human Rights Report by the US reveals no significant improvement, citing numerous complaints about the suppression of freedom of expression, media obstruction, murder, torture, arbitrary detention, intimidation, corruption, and sexual violence. Despite investigations, most violators remain unpunished. The report points out that judicial independence is compromised by political pressure, bribery, and intimidation.
Similarly, CIVICUS reported that Nepal targets human rights defenders and media personnel to silence dissent, rating the civic space as “obstructed.” The report details threats against indigenous rights defenders and anti-corruption activists, the detention of a media group chair for reporting on the Home Minister, harassment over social media posts, excessive police force, and arrests during peaceful protests.
Both reports highlight increased efforts to curb freedom of expression, with multiple attacks on press freedom, including threats and assaults on journalists reporting on corruption. The government’s inadequate protection of media personnel is also criticized. Additionally, internet freedom faced restrictions, notably with the ban of TikTok in October last year for spreading objectionable content.
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NA Sends ‘Media Council Bill-2080 BS’ for Clause-Wise Deliberation
The National Assembly (NA) meeting on 10 June unanimously decided to send the ‘Media Council Bill-2080 BS’ to the Legislation Management Committee for a detailed clause-wise deliberation. Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma presented the proposal, which the NA meeting endorsed without opposition.
The objectives of the bill include maintaining professional conduct in journalism, promoting self-regulation, and fostering clean, free, and accountable journalism. It also addresses issues such as journalist documentation, professional safety, freedom of expression, and self-regulation. Minister Sharma initially registered the bill in the NA on 25 April 2024.
National ID Cards to Be Mandatory for Social Security Allowances in 28 Districts
The government has announced that starting 16 July, possessing a national identity card will be mandatory for receiving social security allowances in 28 districts. This decision, made by the Cabinet, aims to streamline the distribution of social security benefits.
As a result, district administration offices are experiencing a surge in individuals seeking to obtain their national ID cards. Yubraj Kattel, Director General of the National ID Card and Registration Department, stated that the scheme will also apply to the renewal of social security schemes in these districts. To manage the increased demand, additional resources are being mobilized at the local level.
Government takes on TikTok
At a recent meeting of the Development, Economic Affairs, and Good Governance Committee under the National Assembly at Singha Durbar, Minister for Communications and Information Technology (MoCIT) Rekha Sharma announced efforts to bring the social network TikTok under legal regulation. Sharma highlighted issues with content on TikTok, clarifying that a ban would be unnecessary if TikTok operates according to Nepal’s legal system.
During the meeting, Minister Sharma mentioned her discussion with Facebook representatives on June 13, emphasizing the importance of adhering to Nepal’s rules and regulations. She also stated that the upcoming cabinet meeting would forward the social media bill to parliament for extensive discussion and eventual approval.
Driving License integration with National ID
Department of Transport Management in Nepal is close to completing the integration of driving license information into the national identity card system. This development means individuals with a national ID card will no longer need a separate driving license. Director General Uddhav Prasad Rijal emphasized that drivers will soon be able to use their national ID card as their main form of identification for driving purposes, with traffic police scanning the QR code on the card to access all relevant driver details.
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Opportunities
Call for Applications: Freedom of Expression Litigation Surgery
Media Defence invites applications from women lawyers in South and Southeast Asia for a litigation workshop on freedom of expression, to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal, from September 3-5, 2024. Lawyers from Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam are eligible. The workshop aims to enhance litigation skills, build networks, and support women lawyers handling digital rights and freedom of expression cases. Applications are due by July 8, 2024, and can be submitted online or via email to training@mediadefence.org For more info: FoE litigation Surgery for women Lawyers
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Publication
ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics
ICT Works has published the “ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics,” featuring seven principles to build trust in AI and ensure ethical development. The principles outlined for AI governance and ethics emphasize transparency and explainability, ensuring AI implementation is clearly disclosed and understood. Fairness and equity are prioritized to prevent algorithmic discrimination or unjust impacts. Security and safety measures are required to keep AI systems secure and allow for human intervention if necessary. Human-centricity focuses on respecting human-centered values and protecting human rights. Privacy and data governance ensure data privacy and integrity with clear access protocols. Accountability and integrity hold AI actors responsible for AI decisions and ethical compliance. Finally, robustness and reliability ensure that AI systems perform consistently and reliably.
This guide aims to help organizations build trust with stakeholders, align AI practices with international standards, and ensure responsible AI development.
Full Read at: Introducing ASEAN Guiding Principles for Ethical AI Governance – ICTworks
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Digital Rights Weekly is a week-based update on Digital Rights and ICT issues, that happened throughout the week, compiled and analyzed from the digital rights perspective by Digital Rights Nepal (DRN). DRN is a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to the protection and promotion of digital rights, including the right to online freedom of expression and association, online privacy, access to information, and related issues such as internet governance, cyber laws/policies, and cyber securities in Nepal.
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