KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Afghanistan’s independent journalists and media have been honored with the Canada-UK Media Freedom Award for their “courageous” reporting amid the Taliban’s crackdown.
The award was presented by Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and the UK’s Deputy Foreign Minister Lord Collins during a ceremony on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Friday, September 27.
Lotfullah Najafizada, a journalist from Afghanistan and CEO of Amu TV, accepted the award on behalf of Afghanistan’s independent journalists and media organizations.
Established in 2020, the Canada-UK Media Freedom Award honors journalists and media organizations that have advocated for freedom of speech and democracy.
The award has previously been given to the Egyptian newspaper Mada Masr, Vietnamese journalist Pham Doan Trang, and the Belarusian Association of Journalists.
The foreign ministries of Canada and the UK stated in a joint statement that the award signifies both countries’ enduring commitment to supporting free and independent journalism.
“Independent reporters and media organizations navigate the risks posed by the Taliban’s harsh crackdown on journalism, working bravely to ensure the continuation of free press in a difficult climate,” part of the statement reads.
“They report on significant issues affecting Afghanistan under Taliban rule, including human rights violations and the plight of women and girls, including forced marriages and bans on education,” it adds.
Canada’s Foreign Minister was quoted in the statement praising Afghanistan’s independent journalists and media organizations for their “courageous and tireless” work in reporting on Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
UK’s Deputy Foreign Minister was quoted as saying: “Despite the many restrictions they work under, these brave Afghan journalists have found innovative ways to get accurate, timely and valuable information to the people of Afghanistan, including on the plight of women and girls.”
“They play a vital role in preserving the truth,” he added.
Since taking control of Afghanistan, the Taliban have imposed increasing restrictions on journalists and media outlets, issuing more than 17 directives that severely limit press freedom and access to information.
During the past three years of Taliban rule, more than half of Afghanistan’s once vibrant media outlets have either been forced to cease operations or relocate their offices abroad due to the regime’s strict restrictions and pressure.
Media outlets still operating in Afghanistan must comply with Taliban rules, as the regime closely monitors their programs, staffs, and reports.
Media outlets and journalists exiled in recent years are also struggling with access to information, as the Taliban refrain from providing information or conducting interviews with them. Meanwhile, their colleagues inside Afghanistan are facing life-threatening situations.
