The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists that 86 percent of journalist murder cases worldwide remain unpunished. This shocking statistic highlights a global crisis in justice and press freedom.
On Monday, November 2, UNESCO's office in Afghanistan emphasized in a message that despite the changing nature of threats against journalists, "one fact remains constant: the perpetrators of journalist killings are not punished in many cases." The organization called for immediate action to end this impunity, protect journalists, and defend freedom of expression.
In its report, UNESCO stated that "every silenced journalist is a loss for all of us." This message underscores the vital role of journalists in informing societies and holding power to account.
Meanwhile, Rabab Fatima, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, also stressed the essential role of journalists in strengthening dialogue, ensuring peace, and consolidating good governance. These remarks highlight the importance of a free press in Afghanistan's current situation.
Although the latest UNESCO report does not directly name the Taliban, the state of media freedom in Afghanistan has severely deteriorated since the group's return to power. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) had previously warned that Afghanistan has become one of the most difficult countries for media activity.
According to media support organizations, hundreds of Afghan journalists have been forced to leave the country since August 2021, and the remaining media outlets face severe censorship, threats, and arbitrary arrests. The International Day to End Impunity serves as a reminder of the need for accountability for crimes against journalists in Afghanistan and around the world.
Source: UNESCO
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