International Participants

1. International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Represented by Deborah Muir

IFJ, the International Federation of Journalists, is the world's largest organization of journalists. First established in 1926, it was re-launched in 1946 and again, in its present form, in 1952.
FNJ has received DANIDA funding for a 2-year capacity building of and monitoring programme that includes support from IFJ. The European Commission is funding conflict-reporting training, and the Norwegian Union is funding safety training for FNJ district branches, as well as media monitoring training.

2. Reporters Sans Frontierers (RSF)
Represented by Binod Dhungel

RSF, Reporters Sans Frontierers, defends journalists and other media contributors and professionals who have been imprisoned or persecuted for doing their work.
Monitors press freedom in Nepal, providing support for Nepali blogs, trained Paris-based Nepali journalists on bloging, posted 800 posters of “Kingdom of Censorship” in and around Paris on 1 February 2006, put advertisement in Nepali media on 1 February with the slogan: “No freedom without press freedom.”

3. World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC)
Represented by Sonia Randhwa and Raghu Mainali

AMARC, World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters, is an international non-governmental organization serving the community radio movement, with almost 3000 members and associates in 110 countries.

Is working with SIRM since July. Submitted funding requests, together with IMS, for ISRM/ AMARC activities. Swiss and DFID have signalled their interest, but no funding has yet been secured.

 

4. Article 19
Represented by Daniel Simons and Santosh Sigdel

Prepare a review of the ‘black media ordinance’ and is working on a study on conflict and freedom of expression in South Asia with legal analysis. Nepal might be the country of focus.
Article 19: Article 19, the Global Campaign for Free Expression, champions freedom of expression and the free flow of information as fundamental human rights that underpin all others.

 

5. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Represented by Jocelyne Josiah

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization was founded on 16 November 1945. Today, it functions as a laboratory of ideas and a standard-setter to forge universal agreements on emerging ethical issues.
Supported MSI for two meetings with security forces, publication of training materials, Safety guide for journalists in Nepali. Supported IPC capacity-building project. Supported Article 19 for a South Asia study. UNESCO Kathmandu is in communication with the communication ministry and UN offices.

6. International Media Support (IMS)
Represented by Jesper Hojberg

IMS, International Media Support, is committed to freedom of _expression and related international human rights standards endorsed by the international community. IMS provides support to media, which promote democratic development.
Currently has four main activities ongoing, including media monitoring and advocacy with FNJ/IFJ, safety and shelter project with MSI/Rory Peck Trust, national discussion forum project with Himal Association, and the Independent News Service with MSI.

7. International Press Institute (IPI)
Represented by Michael Kudlak

IPI, International Press Institute, is a global organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of press freedom and the improvement of the practices of journalism.

8. The World Press Freedom Committee (WPFC)
Represented by Mark Bench

The World Press Freedom Committee is an international umbrella organization that includes 45 journalistic groups -- print and broadcast, labor and management, journalists, editors, publishers and owners on six continents -- united in the defense and promotion of press freedom.
11690-C Sunrise Valley Dr.
Reston, VA 20191, USA
Tel: (703) 715-9811/ Fax: (703) 620-6790
E-mail: freepress@wpfc.org
URL: http://www.wpfc.org

9. Foundation Hirondelle
Represented by Mike Kunzli

The Hirondelle Foundation, a Switzerland based organization of journalists sets up and operates media services in crisis areas. The Hirondelle Foundation collaborates in the development of tolerant and democratic societies and contributes to creating a responsible, civic-minded exchange of opinions within the public. The Foundation is particularly interested in justice, one of the preconditions for reconciliation in divided societies.
Fondation Hirondelle
Avenue du Temple 19C
1012 Lausanne
Switzerland
Tel. +41 21 654 20 20
Fax. +41 21 654 20 21
http://www.hirondelle.org
info@hirondelle.org

10. Internews
Represented by Matt Abud

Internews works to improve access to information for people around the world by fostering independent media and promoting open communications policies in the public interest. Internews’ programs are built on the conviction that providing people with access to vibrant, diverse news and information empowers them to participate effectively in their communities, effect positive social change, improve their living standards, and make their voices heard.

Formed in 1982, Internews Network is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in California. It has worked in 70 countries, and currently has offices in 23 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Internews Network is a founding member of Internews International, an umbrella organization, based in Paris, made up of 12 media development NGOs. Since inception, Internews has worked with 4,300 radio and television stations and print publications.

1640 Rhode Island Ave. NW
7th Floor
Washington, DC 20036
PHONE: +1 202 833-5740, 5741, 5742
FAX: +1 202 833-5745
URL: http://www.internews.org

11. Open Society Institute
Represented by Algirdas Lipstas and Martin Hala

The Open Society Institute (OSI), a private operating and grant making foundation, aims to shape public policy to promote democratic governance, human rights, and economic, legal, and social reform. On a local level, OSI implements a range of initiatives to support the rule of law, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, OSI works to build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as combating corruption and rights abuses.

OSI was created in 1993 by investor and philanthropist George Soros to support his foundations in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Those foundations were established, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. OSI has expanded the activities of the Soros foundations network to other areas of the world where the transition to democracy is of particular concern. The Soros foundations network encompasses more than 60 countries.

Open Society Institute
400 West 59th Street
New York, NY 10019
USA
Tel. 1-212-548-0600

12. RPT
Represented by Elisabet Canteny
The Rory Peck Trust, established in 1995, is a registered charity with an ongoing commitment to the welfare and safety of freelance news gatherers. The Trust subsidizes training in hostile environments, provides direct practical support to freelancers in need, and to the families of those killed, injured or suffering persecution during the course of their work..
The Rory Peck Trust offers discretionary grants to the families of freelance news gatherers killed whilst on assignment. It also offers crisis support to freelancers who are unable to continue their work due to severe injury, disablement or imprisonment. The seriousness with which the Trust treats each individual case of death, disablement, imprisonment or persecution aims to restore dignity to those who are suffering and help their families.
The Rory Peck Trust
2 Grosvenor Gardens, London SW1W 0DH, UK
Tel: +44 (0)20 7730 1411
Fax: +44 (0)20 7730 1428
e-mail: info@rorypecktrust.org