MONITORING (SW) – The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has issued a statement, urging increased support and protection for Afghan journalists.
On occasion of World Press Freedom Day, UNAMA stated: “On World Press Freedom Day, we advocate for respect, serious support, and protection of Afghan journalists.”
This call comes amidst growing concerns over the safety and well-being of media personnel in the country.
Roza Otunbayeva, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, expressed appreciation for Afghan journalists in a message commemorating World Press Freedom Day.
She added that despite the numerous risks, these journalists strive to provide accurate information to the country’s citizens.
“Their work for an informed, progressive, and prosperous nation is vital, covering key areas such as education, environment, health, economy, and good governance for all Afghans. Their courage is commendable, and these heroes (journalists) should be encouraged, supported, and protected,” Otunbayeva said.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) also stated that during the past year (May 2023 to May 2024), at least 136 incidents of media freedom violations and harassment of journalists in Afghanistan were recorded, including 72 threats and 64 journalist detentions.
Officials from AFJC said that the number of incidents during this period is 77 fewer compared to the 213 recorded incidents in the previous year (May 2022 to May 2023), which is encouraging in terms of statistical reduction.
However, the United Nations Women’s Division in Afghanistan stated that 80% of female journalists in Afghanistan have been forced to quit their jobs due to restrictions, harassment, and intimidation.
The UN Women’s Division wrote on its official account: “On World Press Freedom Day and every day, we continue to support media initiatives and female journalists striving for women’s rights and gender equality.”
Lately, in a resounding call, media-related officials and journalists once again urged the swift approval of the Mass Media law in Afghanistan.
Officials at the Afghan Journalists Safety Committee (AJSC) said that while the situation for media operations and access to information has somewhat improved this year, but the de-facto government authorities have not taken serious and practical steps to address journalists’ challenges.
It is worth noting that the Islamic Emirate has repeatedly announced its commitment to freedom of expression within the framework of Islamic values, national interests, and cultural values of the country.
