UNAMA, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, has stated on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day that free and independent media in the country are deteriorating.
In a statement released today (Saturday, May 3), UNAMA said: “Challenges facing the media—from restrictions imposed by the de facto authorities to economic and financial difficulties—have seriously endangered the public’s access to vital information.”
Roza Otunbayeva, the head of UNAMA, emphasized in the statement: “A diverse and healthy media sector is essential for transparency, public trust, and good governance. However, in Afghanistan, we are witnessing a gradual erosion of free and independent media.”
She warned that journalists are at risk of arrest, torture, and imprisonment.
The UNAMA chief added that female journalists, in particular, face disproportionate risks and obstacles.
She stressed: “World Press Freedom Day is a reminder of the important role journalists and media play in Afghanistan. Media are the foundation of an informed and dynamic society, and their role must be protected.”
The statement further read: “Due to Afghanistan’s economic crisis, media outlets in the country have been severely affected by a sharp decline in revenue, leading to the closure of numerous outlets. Additionally, broad restrictions imposed by the authorities have resulted in media professionals facing threats, arrests, torture, and mistreatment, with women journalists particularly affected by these dangers and barriers.”
Meanwhile, Reporters Without Borders published a report yesterday on the state of press freedom globally, placing Afghanistan at 175th out of 180 countries.
Ahead of World Press Freedom Day (May 3), the Afghanistan Journalists Center also expressed concern over increased restrictions on media freedom and the detention of journalists, stating that media freedom under the interim government has been seriously disrupted.
