UN Special Rapporteur Warns of Severe Financial Crisis Facing Afghan Media
Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Afghanistan, has warned that Afghan media outlets are grappling not only with security and political restrictions but also with a severe financial crisis and diminishing international support. According to him, this situation has significantly weakened the ability of media to continue operating independently and safely.
On Sunday, May 3rd, in a statement marking World Press Freedom Day, Bennett said that Afghan journalists, both inside the country and in exile, continue their work despite extremely challenging conditions. He emphasized that these journalists are at the forefront of exposing human rights violations and ensuring the public’s right to access information.
The UN Special Rapporteur cautioned that the reduction of financial and technical support from the international community has constrained the safe operation of media and made their access to information resources more difficult. This comes as the Taliban administration’s takeover of Afghanistan has imposed extensive restrictions on the media, forcing many journalists to leave the country.
Highlighting the importance of World Press Freedom Day, Bennett called on the global community to increase financial and technical support to independent Afghan media. He stressed that free and independent media have an essential and irreplaceable role in safeguarding human rights and Afghanistan’s future, warning that without sustained backing, this role faces serious jeopardy.
