A group of Afghan journalists, media executives, and media activists residing in various countries across Europe and Asia have announced the establishment and official launch of a new media organization named the international federation of Afghan media.
In a statement issued by the federation’s founders, they said the organization is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental, and non-political body established to address the challenges facing Afghanistan’s media community, support journalists and media workers, defend freedom of expression and access to information, and strengthen coordination among media outlets.
According to the statement, the federation will provide a common framework for cooperation and professional engagement among Afghan journalists and media organizations both inside and outside Afghanistan. It will also work to secure support from international institutions and organizations.
The founders noted that Afghan journalists and media outlets have, in recent years, faced extensive restrictions on freedom of expression, economic hardships, forced displacement, and various legal and professional pressures. They stated that the creation of the federation is intended to play a meaningful role in supporting the media community and addressing these challenges.
Federation officials said the organization will serve as a coordinating and professional umbrella body, facilitating the exchange of expertise, specialized training, capacity-building initiatives, and expanded collaboration among media organizations.
Under its stated objectives, the federation will place particular emphasis on protecting journalists’ rights, defending freedom of expression and access to information, monitoring the situation of journalists facing threats, strengthening cooperation among Afghan media organizations in exile, and expanding professional training programs.
The founders emphasized that free and independent media play a vital role in promoting public awareness, upholding the rule of law, and safeguarding democratic values, adding that support for the media sector is an essential necessity.
The federation has called on journalists, media organizations, international institutions, human rights organizations, and media advocates to cooperate in strengthening Afghanistan’s media community.
The announcement comes amid reports from media-support organizations that numerous restrictions have been imposed on media activities in Afghanistan over the past four years. Meanwhile, the Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture recently announced the renewal of licenses for some media organizations and the suspension of the activities of several others, stating that these measures were taken to regulate media operations and preserve institutional credibility.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
