The World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC) has expressed grave concern about the current status of community radios in Nepal, followed the decision of King Gyanendra, on February 1st 2005, to declare a state of emergency and impose censorship over private and community media.
AMARC described the take over and closure of media outlets by the army, and the restriction of civil liberties by Nepal’s government as a serious attack on freedom of expression, democracy and human rights. The organization also expressed its fears for the safety of all media practitioners working in Nepal.
It is AMARC's belief that Nepal has been among the countries in Asia where the community radio movement has been most successful and where it has played a vital role in disseminating information and promoting dialogue for peace.
AMARC, therefore appeals to the Government of Nepal to remove the restrictions imposed on the programme output and operations of community radio stations and to allow them to continue serving their communities.
AMARC lance un appel pour le rétablissement de tous les droits d'information des radios communautaires au NépalAMARC hace un llamado para que las radios comunitarias de Nepal recobren totalmente el derecho a la información