Afghanistan: International community must work to ensure journalist safety

18 August 2021

The Public Media Alliance (PMA) is deeply concerned by the perilous and terrifying situation faced by many journalists and in particular, women journalists, in Afghanistan. We call on the international community to work to guarantee the safety of those who remain and to facilitate safe passage urgently for those wanting to leave.

The Taliban historically established themselves as an enemy of press freedom. They have a long history of committing violence against critical voices and have been behind a number of attacks against journalists and media workers in recent years.

Hundreds of journalists are among those attempting to flee Afghanistan for fear of persecution and the deterioration of the rights that once helped to protect them. Many of them will be familiar faces to some of you, having shared their stories with international news organsiations around the world for many years. According to reports, there have been 112 violent incidents against journalists in the country over the past year, with seven killed – the highest rate worldwide.

Many journalists are now in hiding because of their fear of reprisals. Their opportunities to leave the country have been affected by  the deteriorating security situation posed by reaching and using exit points, as witnessed at Kabul airport in recent days.

It is essential that governments come together to facilitate urgent safe passage and emergency visas for journalists, media workers and their families who wish to leave.

Independent journalism plays a critical role in holding power to account and informing the public, both locally and internationally. It is imperative that the international community works to foster and secure a safe environment for those wishing to remain in Afghanistan. It is also essential that governments come together to facilitate urgent safe passage and emergency visas for journalists, media workers and their families who wish to leave.

Among those still in the country are journalists and media workers from across PMA’s membership, some of whom have bureaux in the country. We are monitoring the developing situation closely and are working with colleagues in the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) to support journalists in Afghanistan as best we can. Afghanistan is currently a member of the MFC and we will provide updates of the situation as it unfolds.

Header Image: On the second day of the Taliban’s rule in Kabul, the front of Hamid Karzai International Airport was crowded with people trying to travel abroad, but were stopped by Taliban militants. Credit: VOA / Public Domain