UNITED NATIONS — Afghan journalists and media activists warned at a United Nations gathering that press freedom in Afghanistan is under severe threat under Taliban rule, urging the international community to take action against the repression of independent journalism.
The event, held on Monday and organized by the Dashti Foundation, included representatives from Afghanistan, Canada, and the Netherlands, as well as human rights and media advocates. Participants voiced deep concern over the deteriorating state of journalism in Afghanistan, where reporters face increasing restrictions, harassment, and censorship.
Naseer Ahmad Faiq, Afghanistan’s charge d’affaires to the United Nations, said the Taliban’s continued crackdown on free expression has created a hostile environment for independent media.
“The Taliban continue to suppress freedom of speech and media activity, creating a serious threat to journalists and independent outlets,” Faiq said.
Journalists at the event urged global institutions and governments to reject Taliban-controlled narratives, warning that much of the information disseminated by the group is manipulated for propaganda purposes. They called for greater support for citizen journalism and independent reporting as a means to counter misinformation.
The discussion also highlighted the disproportionate impact of Taliban policies on women in media. Activists called on the international community to support female-founded media outlets and exiled women journalists, many of whom have been forced to flee Afghanistan.
“Women in Afghanistan, especially in the media sector, are under extreme pressure and need urgent international support,” one activist said.
Participants also raised concerns about Afghan journalists who have fled to neighboring countries, including Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan, where many live in difficult conditions and face legal and financial hardships. They urged governments and media organizations to provide immediate assistance to these displaced reporters.
Some participants advocated for continued economic and political sanctions on the Taliban, arguing that sustained international pressure is necessary to force the group to respect human rights and media freedom.
The session concluded with a strong call for global action, emphasizing that the situation for journalists in Afghanistan remains dire and requires urgent intervention to safeguard press freedom and protect those at risk.
