UN Rapporteur Warns Press Freedom in Afghanistan Has Nearly Collapsed

United Nations Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett has warned that independent journalism in Afghanistan has been nearly dismantled following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021. In a recent statement, Bennett highlighted a sharp decline in media operations across the country, pointing to systematic censorship, arbitrary detentions, and stringent reporting restrictions imposed on journalists.

Bennett noted that the operating environment for Afghan reporters has grown increasingly hostile. Media workers face routine intimidation, and many outlets have been forced to suspend operations or significantly scale back their coverage. The United Nations official emphasized that these measures have severely limited the public’s access to independent information and undermined fundamental freedoms of expression.

International press freedom organizations and UN bodies have consistently ranked Afghanistan among the most restrictive environments for journalists worldwide. In response to the deteriorating conditions, Bennett called for the immediate release of all detained media personnel and urged the international community to take coordinated action to protect the rights of Afghan journalists.

The warning underscores ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of civil society and independent media under the current administration. While some local outlets continue to operate, they do so under strict guidelines that limit critical reporting and require adherence to state directives. Bennett stressed that safeguarding press freedom remains essential for accountability and the protection of human rights in the country.