UN Urges Taliban to Protect Press and Ensure Free Media in Afghanistan

The United Nations has urged Taliban authorities to ensure the safety of journalists and media workers in Afghanistan, advocating for an unrestricted and censorship-free environment for media operations.

A joint report titled Media Freedom in Afghanistan, released on Tuesday by the UN Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the UN Human Rights Office, highlights the mounting challenges faced by journalists under Taliban rule from August 2021 to September 2024. UNAMA head Roza Otunbayeva stressed that unclear rules for reporting, coupled with the risks of intimidation and arbitrary detention, are stifling press freedom in the country. She warned that Afghanistan is experiencing a systematic dismantling of free press—a cornerstone for any nation.

The report documented 256 cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions, 130 instances of torture and mistreatment, and 75 threats or intimidations, cultivating an atmosphere of fear. While Afghanistan's foreign ministry refuted the number of journalist arrests, claiming those detained had committed crimes, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk underscored the critical role of journalists in ensuring transparency, accountability, and informed debate, especially in addressing humanitarian crises.

Particularly alarming are the restrictions on female media professionals, who face discriminatory dress codes and limitations on their coverage. Farhan Aziz Haq, Deputy Spokesperson at the UN Headquarters, called attention to the unique challenges confronting female journalists and urged the Taliban to acknowledge their significance in the media landscape.

The UN report also highlights the dwindling international support for Afghanistan’s media sector, warning of its adverse effects on the country’s growth and freedom of expression. The UN called on Taliban authorities to uphold Afghanistan’s commitments under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, emphasizing that press freedom is essential for transparency, accountability, and the nation’s socio-economic progress.