Various reports have shown that the situation of press freedom and the safety of journalists in Nepal has been deteriorating recently. A joint report by 'Media Action Nepal' and 'Article 19' shows that women and journalists from marginalized communities in Nepal are facing challenges both in the workplace and online.

A joint report prepared by Media Action Nepal and Article 19 for the 2026 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) highlights these problems in Nepal's media sector. The report was prepared based on consultations with women journalists and civil society representatives from across the country in May 2025. The

report highlights the discrimination and insecurity faced by women journalists. According to statistics, 29 women journalists left the profession between 2023 and 2024 due to harassment and insecurity in the workplace. Gender discrimination in the newsroom, inequality in pay, and deprivation of leadership roles have become major obstacles for women journalists.

In addition, the report shows that online 'trolling', 'doxxing' (making personal details public) and threats of sexual violence have pushed women journalists towards self-censorship. Such discrimination and risks have been found to be even greater in the case of Dalit women journalists.

According to the report, although the Constitution of Nepal guarantees freedom of expression and the right to information, Section 47 of the 'Electronic Transactions Act-2063' has become the main weapon to harass journalists. The report claims that the provisions of this act are vague and contrary to international human rights standards.

Similarly, civil society has also expressed serious objections to the 'Social Media Bill' and the 'Media Council Bill' that the government is introducing. The report states that the Social Media Bill will give the government the power to remove content and monitor it without judicial process. The Media Council Bill is suspected of increasing government control by taking away the autonomy of the current Press Council.