Violence against Afghan journalists on the rise
With 41 cases of attacks and threats, the first half of 2013 has been one of the most violent periods on record for Afghanistan’s journalists, says the IMS-supported Afghan Journalists’ Safety Committee (AJSC)
The violence is set to increase in the coming months due to the country’s presidential election slated for spring next year, says the AJSC in its latest report which summarises developments in Afghanistan’s media safety over the past six months.
A ‘vicious cycle’
Government officials, security forces as well as the Taliban are responsible for the majority of the attacks, says the report. The increased pressure from the government results in a ‘vicious cycle’, says AJSC’s report:
“Journalists adopt a hostile approach against the government, and the government in turn exerts more pressure on journalists thus perpetuating a vicious cycle that harms both the government and journalists while creating more space for the propaganda machine of the insurgents.”
Tracking press freedom violations
Set up in Kabul in 2009 with the support of IMS, the AJSC continues to provide crucial information on developments on the ground, says IMS Executive Director, Jesper Højberg:
“National partners like the AJSC and its monitoring of press freedom violations based on facts are indispensable in the promotion of the safety of journalists.” The organisation represents a core part of IMS’ approach to safety, adds Jesper Højberg:
“The kind of local expertise AJSC provides combined with its comprehensive set of tools to protect journalists is integral to IMS’ approach to improving journalists’ safety.”
AJSC is the first organisation of its kind established in Afghanistan with its inclusion of press unions, media representatives and civil society organisations. Covering 32 out of 34 provinces in the country, it is in charge of a 24-hour hotline, a safety support emergency fund and advocacy work on safety and media freedom.
Female journalists highly vulnerable
Female journalists are particularly at risk in Afghanistan notes the AJSC report. Their challenges range from low professional experience to sexual harassment in the work place and cultural constraints leaving many to stay in their office instead of going out to do reporting in the field.
Speaking to IMS on the occasion of International Women’s Day in March, the two female journalists Fareiba and Ara, said the AJSC has been a place to which they can turn for emergency assistance when faced with threats or other security-related issues:
“With the AJSC, I know there is an organisation that will listen to me and try to solve the problems I face. This makes me feel a little more safe,” said Ara.
For more information on the work to improve journalist safety in Afghanistan, visit the Afghan Journalists’ Safety Committee’s website.
