WASHINGTON, D.C. / August 29, 2026 / The Federation of International Journalist, America (FIJA) has adopted nine decisions concerning press freedom in Nepal, government support for the media, the devastating Bhotekoshi flood, disaster preparedness, climate change and humanitarian assistance.

The decisions were taken during a meeting of FIJA America’s Central Committee chaired by its President Ram Prasad Khanal. The meeting, held via video conference, reviewed what the organization described as growing challenges facing Nepal’s journalism sector as well as the enormous humanitarian and infrastructure damage caused by the recent floods.

A major focus of the meeting was the Nepal government’s decision to reduce public welfare advertising provided to media organizations. FIJA expressed serious concern over the move and called on the government to immediately reverse the cuts and restore the public welfare advertising program to its previous level.

The organization argued that weakening media institutions at a time when Nepal is facing a major national disaster and widespread public grief runs contrary to the principles of constitutional democracy, democratic culture and press freedom.

FIJA said the government should work cooperatively with journalists and media organizations rather than adopt policies that could financially weaken the press.

As part of its campaign, the organization decided to formally submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Minister for Communications Dr. Bikram Timilsina, urging the government to respect press freedom and withdraw policies restricting public welfare advertisements.

FIJA officials and members currently in Nepal, along with representatives of the organization’s Nepal Chapter, will participate in the submission of the memorandum. Vice President Tank Pant has been assigned to coordinate the initiative.

The Central Committee also decided to organize a special interaction program on press freedom and challenges facing Nepal’s media sector, jointly hosted by FIJA’s Central Committee and its Nepal Chapter.

The organization said strong and independent media institutions are essential to strengthening democracy, constitutional governance, good governance, peace and development.

Vice Presidents Tank Pant, Kedar Koirala and Jibaram Bhandari, Nepal Chapter President Krishna Paudel, and Board Director Yubaraj Bhandari ‘Bidrohi’ have been tasked with coordinating and managing the program. FIJA advisers Yogesh Upadhyay, Prof. Purushottam Dahal and Dr. Bal Krishna Chapagain will provide necessary advice and support.

FIJA Expresses Grief Over Devastating Nepal Floods

The meeting also expressed deep sorrow over the massive loss of life and property caused by the devastating floods that originated in the Bhotekoshi river system and affected Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Chitwan and other areas.

FIJA paid tribute to those who lost their lives, extended condolences to bereaved families and wished for the speedy recovery of those injured in the disaster.

The federation called on the Nepal government and relevant agencies to mobilize all available resources to intensify search-and-rescue operations for people who remain missing or are awaiting rescue.

It also appealed to the public to maintain patience, unity, restraint and humanitarian sensitivity during the national crisis and urged citizens to cooperate fully with government agencies and security forces engaged in rescue and relief operations.

FIJA praised the work of the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, healthcare professionals, rescue workers and other government agencies for their efforts during the disaster.

At the same time, the organization urged the government to strengthen Nepal’s long-term disaster-response capacity by investing in modern rescue equipment, technology, trained personnel and other emergency resources needed to respond effectively to future catastrophes.

Climate Change Requires Greater National and International Attention

The Central Committee concluded that global climate change is placing mountainous and geographically vulnerable countries such as Nepal at increasing risk of large-scale disasters.

FIJA said it would launch special initiatives to draw the attention of both the Government of Nepal and the international community to climate-change impacts, mitigation, adaptation and disaster-risk management.

The federation also plans to encourage journalists and media organizations to play a greater role in raising public awareness about climate-related risks and the urgent need for preparedness and prevention.

Financial Assistance for Flood Victims

Recognizing the scale of Nepal’s national crisis, FIJA also decided to provide financial assistance for flood relief and rehabilitation.

The organization said an appropriate amount of financial support would be contributed to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to assist people affected by the disaster.

FIJA America’s Nine Decisions

1. Call for restoration of public welfare advertising: FIJA urged the Nepal government to immediately reverse cuts to public welfare advertisements provided to the media and restore the program to its previous level.
2. Defend press freedom and democratic values: The federation concluded that weakening media organizations during a national crisis contradicts constitutional principles, democratic culture and press freedom, and urged the government to adopt a cooperative and press-friendly approach.
3. Submit a memorandum to government leaders: FIJA will formally submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timilsina regarding press freedom and public welfare advertising policies.
4. Organize a special media interaction: FIJA’s Central Committee and Nepal Chapter will jointly organize a special interaction program focusing on press freedom and challenges confronting Nepal’s journalism sector.
5. Express condolences over the flood disaster: FIJA paid tribute to those killed in the Bhotekoshi flood disaster, expressed sympathy to bereaved families and wished injured victims a speedy recovery.
6. Strengthen search-and-rescue operations: The organization called for maximum mobilization of government resources to locate missing people and rescue those stranded, while appealing for national unity and public cooperation.
7. Strengthen Nepal’s disaster-response capability: FIJA praised security personnel, healthcare professionals and rescue teams and called for greater investment in modern equipment, technology, skilled manpower and emergency resources.
8. Increase action on climate change: FIJA will work to draw national and international attention to climate-change impacts, adaptation, mitigation and disaster-risk management, including through journalists and media organizations.
9. Provide financial assistance: The federation decided to contribute financial support through the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for the relief and rehabilitation of flood victims.

The video-conference meeting was attended by FIJA President Ram Prasad Khanal; advisers and senior journalists Yogesh Upadhyay, Prof. Purushottam Dahal and Dr. Bal Krishna Chapagain; Vice Presidents Tank Pant, Kedar Koirala and Satish Chapagain; General Secretary Tank Dahal; Board Directors Anil Thapa and Bishwaraj Thapa, among others.

The press release announcing the decisions was issued by FIJA America President Ram Prasad Khanal and General Secretary Tank Dahal from Washington, D.C.