September 30: Possibly for the first time in Bhutanese history that government initiated debate on freedom of expression, independence and pluralism on which media thrives, recently in Thimphu.
The gathering sponsored by UNESCO was called by the Ministry of Information and Communication where representatives from the sponsoring UN agency, government and media outlets attended, primarily was called to identify key characteristics of the media environment in the new democracy.
Speakers advised government for more media freedom that will help bridge government-media link, thus keeping government in touch with people. However, owing to the small size population, it was also opined that extensive studies are required to assess the impacts of the free media.
The gathering was a warm up session for developing an assessment strategy and action plan for media promotion in the country, draw a memorandum of understanding between the Department of Information and Media (DoIM), UNESCO, UNDP and SEAPA, and report key achievements and concept for implementation.
The attendees cited the General Conference Resolution of UNESCO which encourages the free flow of information, at international as well as national levels, to promote the wider and better dissemination of information, without any obstacle to freedom of expression, and to strengthen communication capacities in the developing countries in order to increase their participation in the communication process.
Information and Communication secretary Kinely Dorji, hinted at accepted the norms and values as prescribed by the resolution.
Dear Apfanews readers,
regarding “FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION” by a Bhutanese goverment,this is a phrase that we have been using from 1989 and it’s victimized people are languishing in Nepal and other western countires.
Bhutan, first declared democracy to its people and now Freedom of Expression, this is an achievement that no other countries have achieved. I think the term “Democracy” is not cleared to the Bhutanese Goverment or the word democracy is just being played for some other purposes. Why the goverment is playing such a dirty game instead of solving Bhutanese refugee problem.Remember, life becomes hell in heaven if someone losses it’s motherland. Now, the Bhutanese goverment is using this phrase to hit it’s own innocent citizens.
Wait and see there are many terms and phrases for the Bhutanese goverment to use in near future for it’s people.
This is surprising that nobody are commenting on this hot topic. So called leaders are also in siliance. The readers of APFAnews are also sleeping, this is the real issue that we are put into problem. And APFAnews has given opportunity to express our views, so that the person who go through this site can understand some reality of the Bhutanese Gov. and Bhutanese politics.
But, I see more people are concerning about the NRB, I can’t understand what they mean. Mr. parsu has written so many things about it, and he is trying to praising R.P Subba; what secret is there? Please, be secure and write in APFAnews.
For me, freedom of expression is a big deal and it may be too for APFAnews journalists and patroitics. So I always expect many comments to see on this type of topics not on NRB.