While journalists in Afghanistan face increasing repression and threats from the Taliban government, Rabab Fatima, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for the country, has called for the protection of the safety and security of male and female journalists.
In a message on Monday, November 2, for the "International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists," she said that the work of journalists plays a fundamental role in strengthening dialogue, ensuring peace, and consolidating good governance. This day is observed annually on November 2.
Rabab Fatima added, "The safety and security of the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the search for truth must be a top priority for all of us in Afghanistan and around the world." This message comes at a time when media freedom in Afghanistan is severely restricted.
During the republic era, Afghanistan was considered one of the deadliest countries for journalists. Although the number of journalist killings has decreased since the Taliban's return to power, the group has imposed severe restrictions and censorship on the activities of media and reporters.
The Taliban government arrests and imprisons independent and critical journalists on charges of anti-regime activities. Most recently, Reporters Without Borders included the Taliban's leader, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, in its 2026 list of "Enemies of Media Freedom."
According to reports from media advocacy organizations, since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, about half of the country's independent media outlets have closed, and hundreds of journalists and media workers have fled the country due to security threats and work restrictions.
Currently, media outlets operating inside Afghanistan under Taliban rule primarily cover the group's activities and refrain from publishing investigative and critical reports.
Source: UNAMA
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