Bennett: Afghan Media Severely Impacted by Decline in Global Support

Richard Bennett says Afghanistan’s media sector has been severely affected by a sharp decline in international assistance, alongside ongoing political and security restrictions. In a statement marking World Press Freedom Day, he noted that Afghan journalists—both inside the country and abroad—continue their work under extremely challenging conditions. Despite these difficulties, Bennett emphasized that journalists remain on the front lines of exposing human rights violations and ensuring public access to information, describing their role as vital. He warned that reductions in financial and technical support from the international community have significantly constrained the ability of media outlets to operate safely, access information, and sustain independent reporting. Bennett called on the global community to increase financial and technical support for independent media and to provide stronger backing for Afghan journalists both inside and outside the country. He stressed that free and independent media play an essential and irreplaceable role in safeguarding human rights and shaping Afghanistan’s future.