As the debate over Nepal’s Social Network Bill-2081 intensifies, UNESCO has weighed in with its official review, published on Monday.
The initiative is part of UNESCO’s ongoing partnership with the federal parliament of Nepal to enhance the legal framework for media and digital platforms.
According to UNESCO Nepal office, the official review was shared with National Assembly chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, Legislative Committee chair Tulasha Kumari Dahal, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Indira Rana.
Dr Joan Barata Mir, senior consultant for UNESCO who conducted the legal analysis of the bill noted that countries like Bangladesh, Turkey, Russia, China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka have adopted similar controversial bills in the past. But they have not been effective.
“Instead, they have increased social discontent and political tensions. Bangladesh is a good example,” said Mir.
He adds that although these laws are often justified as protecting public order or social cohesion, they are typically aimed at securing political control, identifying dissent, and suppressing views inconvenient to the government.
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Joan Barata is a Senior Legal Fellow for The Future of Free Speech. He works on freedom of expression, media regulation, and intermediary liability issues.