Islamabad [Pakistan], May 4:The United Nations diplomatic mission in Afghanistan expressed "serious concerns" for the future of the media in the war-torn country ruled by the Taliban. In a message on World Press Freedom Day, the UN body said the Afghan journalists had to work in a climate of intimidation and fear.
The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan "has documented numerous instances of human rights violations against journalists and media workers by the de facto authorities over the past 18 months," the statement read. "Arbitrary arrests and detentions, ill-treatment and threats have been employed as a means of suppressing freedom of expression." The UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, RozaOtunbayeva, called the violations against journalists unacceptable. "We urge the Taliban de facto authorities to guarantee the freedom and independence of the media, and the safety of journalists, women and men alike."
The Taliban authorities have re-activated a national Media Violations Commission to liaise with journalists. In their message to mark World Press Freedom Day, the Taliban said its government is committed to supporting media outlets whose activities align with the country's national interests and Islamic principles. Afghanistan has fallen significantly in the World Press Freedom Index, issued by Reporters Without Borders, since the regime change in the country in August 2021.(DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune