Today is the World Press Freedom Day. 2013 Marks the 20th anniversary of the official proclamation of World Press Freedom Day, celebrated on May 03 each year, by the UN General Assembly. In 2012, over 121 journalists were killed around the world. And Afghanistan continues to remain at top of the list among countries most dangerous for journalists.
Following the ouster of Taliban, the only thing our government claims credit for is the so-called booming media. It’s just one blessing of the international intervention in Afghanistan. However, it is not as good as it apparently looks. Media outlets and journalists face problems in their professional activities not only from militants, but they also complain about threats from Government officials and many other problems including hurdles for access to information.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has called on all political stakeholders in the country to join hands in securing freedom of the press and the right of expression that have been one of the main achievements of the past decade in Afghanistan.
UNAMA says the election year is particularly crucial because press freedom, security of journalists, the right to obtain information and the right to expression will be among the most meaningful channels to a democratic and transparent leadership transition. They say Afghan journalists are still facing daily threats, intimidation and arrests that undermine their ability to operate professionally.
UN Secretary General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Jan Kubis says amongst other checks and balances, a vibrant media, with vigorous debate and balanced coverage can help to a greater extent with the transparency and accountability necessary for true democratic participation.
Our infant media industry has to go a long way to reach a stage of maturity. There are more than 730 media outlets in Afghanistan including over 100 radio stations, 55 television channels, about 20 news agencies, 40 newspapers and over 500 magazines.
However, despite all the problems from violence to self-censorship, we have to keep in mind that just 10 years ago, Taliban had banned TV, and the only news source for Afghans was “Voice of Sharia”. We have improved a lot in a short span of time with a booming media industry that plays the most important role in generation of public awareness and information, becoming an important force for change and progress in a country ravaged by over three decades of war.