US Mission to Afghanistan Stands in Solidarity with Journalists on World Press Freedom Day

Kabul, Afghanistan – On the eve of World Press Freedom Day, the US Mission to Afghanistan has issued a poignant reminder of the perils and persistence of journalism in the country. In a statement delivered by Mario Crifo, the Director of Public Affairs and Spokesperson for the U.S. Mission based in Doha, Qatar, the enduring struggle of Afghan journalists was both celebrated and lamented.

“Afghan journalists are among the most professional, courageous, creative, and dedicated in the world,” Crifo stated, acknowledging the once flourishing state of Afghan media. He reminisced about the diversity and vibrancy of the Afghan press, which at its zenith was a beacon of independence and a critical source of information for the Afghan populace.

However, the landscape of journalism in Afghanistan has drastically altered. The statement highlighted a series of increasing challenges including harassment, detention of journalists, a vague regulatory environment, and restricted access to information about government activities. The decline in female participation in the media and the dwindling opportunities for their education in the field were particularly emphasized as significant setbacks.

Despite these hurdles, Crifo underscored the resilience of Afghan media professionals who continue to uphold the ethics of journalism—accuracy, independence, impartiality, humanity, and accountability. “They work hard to maintain a commitment to truth… to preserve Afghan media’s most valuable asset — its credibility,” he said.

The deterioration in press freedom in Afghanistan is not isolated but part of a broader context of challenges faced by journalists in the country. In recent years, Afghanistan has seen an unhealthy atmosphere for journalism characterized by no access to information, censorship, detentions, and even closure of media outlets. These conditions pose dire threats not only to the profession but also to the broader aspiration of democracy and public discourse.

On World Press Freedom Day, Crifo expressed solidarity with Afghan journalists and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to defending press freedom, a sentiment echoed on behalf of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Chief of Mission Karen Decker.

As the international community marks this significant day, the focus remains sharply on Afghanistan where journalists continue to navigate one of the world’s most challenging environments for press freedom. The courage and commitment of these professionals serve as a critical pillar in the pursuit of truth and transparency, essential components for any functioning society.

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