UN Human Rights group urges for journalists’ protection in war-torn nation

The United Nations called on the countries on Friday to urgently protect Afghan journalists and media workers who now fear persecution by the Taliban in the war-ravaged country. Since taking power in Afghanistan on August 15, the terrorist group has carried out targeted killings of journalists and their families, house searches, threats and intimidation through the visa operations, but also to ensure safe transit for those who want to leave the country.

“Journalists and media workers, especially women, have been exposed to increased risks since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan,” said the UN agency. “All governments must take strong and swift action to protect Afghan journalists who are being persecuted, including by speeding up visas, assisting with evacuation and keeping their borders open to those wishing to leave Afghanistan,” she added added.

Establish a monitoring mechanism

OHCHR highlighted various resolutions that the Human Rights Council has passed in recent years to protect journalists and urged them to stand up for their commitment and step up their efforts to protect journalists. They also called on foreign powers to protect media freedom. Due to Sharia law, the Taliban had previously banned journalism and popular media in the country, but last month they promised they would partially work.

“The Council should consider establishing an investigation and monitoring mechanism to account for all human rights violations, including attacks, reprisals and violence against journalists and media workers. Accountability for human rights violations is vital not only to individual justice, but also to preventing future violations, “added the UN agency.

Notably, many prominent journalists have fled Afghanistan. Last week, a journalist who made history with interviews with the Taliban fled Afghanistan amid a deepening crisis. Beheshta Arghand made headlines after later interviewing senior Taliban leader and activist Malala Yousafzai. In addition, the filmmaker and photographer Roya Heydari, who boarded a flight to Istanbul last week, spoke about her plight and desperation to flee her “motherland”.

Representative image: AP