Media Helping Media

The International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) has condemned the murder of young Nepalese radio journalist Uma Singh and has called on the Government of Nepal to bring her killers to justice. IAWRT President, Ms Olya Booyar, said the association is joining a coalition of international organisations to press for justice for the murdered journalist and greater protection for journalists working in Nepal.

Uma Singh

"Uma Singh was simply doing her job," Ms Booyar said. "She was brutally murdered by an armed gang in a killing which must appal all right-minded people."

Ms Singh, a radio journalist in her 20s, was hacked to death by a group of up to 20 men in her room in the southern city of Janakpur on 11 January. She died on her way to a hospital in the capital.

While no clear motive has yet emerged for her murder, Ms Singh was noted for her reporting of women’s rights issues and the caste system. No-one has yet been arrested.

Ms Booyar said journalism colleagues at the IAWRT chapter in Nepal had been shocked and dismayed by Ms Singh’s murder.

"Whoever the people were who did this, they clearly wanted the brutality of her murder to send fear into the hearts of other journalists and human rights activists," she said.

"Women journalists in many countries face appalling risks in just doing their job. Governments have a duty to protect journalists not only because it is right but also because without fearless media and free communications countries cannot realise their full potential."

Ms Booyar said IAWRT had written to the Government of Nepal, to Nepalese parliamentarians and to media and human rights organisations around the world, calling for justice for Uma Singh and an end to violence against women and journalists.

Note: Olya Booyar is the President of the International Association of Women in Radio and Television.