The Afghanistan-based media advocacy organization, House of Freedom of Expression, has criticized the recent UNAMA report on the state of media in Afghanistan, describing it as insufficient and incomplete. According to the organization, the report fails to fully capture the depth of the media crisis and the systematic suppression of freedom of expression under Taliban rule.
UNAMA’s report documented 336 human rights violations against journalists and media personnel over the past three years, including 256 arbitrary arrests, 130 cases of torture and mistreatment, and 75 threats. However, the House of Freedom of Expression contends that the figures presented are significantly understated and fail to reflect the harsh reality experienced by the Afghan media.
The organization highlighted that over the past three years, more than 300 media outlets have shut down, with 90% of female journalists losing their jobs. It also pointed out that the Taliban have issued 21 directives aimed explicitly at suppressing free expression. The imposition of the Taliban's "Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice" laws in certain provinces has led to measures such as the banning of live broadcasts, the intervention of morality enforcers in media activities, and severe restrictions on journalists' ability to carry out their work.
The House of Freedom of Expression also criticized the report for neglecting to address the role of exiled Afghan media outlets, which continue their efforts to inform and engage the public despite numerous challenges.
The organization has called on the international community, media advocacy groups, and human rights organizations to give greater attention to the worsening state of the media in Afghanistan and to implement stronger, more effective measures to protect freedom of expression and support journalists in the country. It emphasized the destructive impact of Taliban policies on the Afghan media landscape and the urgent need for global action to ensure press freedom and safeguard the rights of journalists.
