On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, has warned that the situation for female journalists in Afghanistan has become significantly more difficult.
Today (Sunday, May 3), Mr. Bennett posted a message on his X account stating that female journalists in Afghanistan are facing discrimination, travel restrictions, and mandatory dress code requirements.
He reiterated the necessity of supporting journalists, especially female journalists, and ensuring their job security.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan further emphasized that in just 2025, the Afghanistan Journalists Center recorded at least 32 cases of journalists being detained, indicating that pressures on the media continue to increase.
He also mentioned the censorship of books and publications and the restriction of access to information, stating that journalists even face punishment for their activities on social media.
It is worth noting that during its over four years of rule, the interim government in Afghanistan has imposed restrictions and detained dozens of journalists, staff members, and media activists.
