Richard Bennett, the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, has raised alarms over the tightening constraints on the media landscape in Afghanistan. Commemorating World Press Freedom Day, Bennett underscored the critical role of journalism in the nation and advocated for global backing of Afghan journalists.

Highlighting the challenges faced by the media, the UN Special Rapporteur articulated, “Journalism in Afghanistan is indispensable. The increasingly restrictive media environment and the arbitrary detention of journalists are concerning. I call upon the international community to extend their support to Afghan journalists.”

In parallel, both the United Kingdom’s initiative for Afghanistan and Karen Decker, the Chargé d’Affaires at the US Mission to Afghanistan, reinforced the significance of amplifying journalist voices through their separate statements.

Karen Decker remarked, “Afghan journalists represent the voices of Afghanistan, broadcasting its narratives. Their voices are crucial. This World Press Freedom Day, we are committed to defending press freedom across the globe.”

The UK’s stance, shared on the social platform X, was, “On Media Freedom Day, the United Kingdom reiterates its support for unfettered and independent media in Afghanistan, advocating for the inclusion of female journalists. A free press is essential for accurate coverage of critical issues, including climate change.”

Conversely, Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban, conveyed to TOLOnews that the Taliban supports media operations and collaborates with all active media entities within Afghanistan, including engaging with the Ministry of Information and Culture.

This report emerges in the context of Afghanistan’s significant decline in the Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, plummeting 26 ranks due to the fatalities and arrests of journalists, now positioned at 178th globally.