United States Mission to the United Nations
August 30, 2021
Joint Statement of the United Nations Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists on the situation in Afghanistan
The following is a joint statement by The UN Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists; Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Capo Verde, Chile, Costa Rica, France, Ghana, Greece, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Republic of Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay.The United Nations Group of Friends for the Protection of Journalists express their deep concern over the aggravating situation of journalists and media workers in Afghanistan.
In line with the Statement of the UN Secretary General of August 16th, we are disturbed by the restrictions on human rights, particularly targeting journalists and media workers, especially women, as well as the threats, intimidation, violence and home invasions against journalists and news agency employees.
We strongly condemn any targeting of journalists and the grave attacks on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, including for members of the media, in Afghanistan. We particularly share our deep concern over intimidation and violence that has disproportionately targeted women journalists in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan’s vibrant media sector has been one of the country’s greatest success stories over the last two decades.
Journalists must be free to report in Afghanistan in full security, without fear of violence, reprisal or intimidation. Free, safe and independent journalists and media organizations represent a vital element of Afghan society. The safety and protection of Afghan journalists and media workers must be guaranteed. Journalists who justifiably fear for their security and wish to leave Afghanistan must be allowed to do so. Those who have committed acts of violence against journalists must be held accountable. We urge all actors in Afghanistan to meet their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
We extend our support to the efforts of the international, non-governmental and grass roots organizations to promote the protection of journalists and media workers, their human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to all the Member States in promoting the safety of Journalists in Afghanistan.
We will continue to closely monitor the situation of journalists and press freedom in Afghanistan.
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