KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Sunday emphasised the protection of freedom of expression and support for journalism as a key pillar of peace, marking World Press Freedom Day.
Observed on 3 May, World Press Freedom Day was designated by the United Nations and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to promote media freedom, support journalists facing threats and remind governments of their obligations under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In a statement, UNAMA said journalism plays a decisive role in shaping and sustaining peace and that access to reliable and verified information is essential for building peaceful, just and inclusive societies.
“Disinformation weakens social cohesion and erodes public trust, while free and fact-based information strengthens accountability, enables constructive dialogue and safeguards human rights,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Khubaib Ghufran, spokesperson for the Ministry of Information and Culture (MoIC), said the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) believes in the important role of the media in society and urged outlets to operate within religious and cultural values, editorial policies and national interests.
He added that the IEA remains committed to supporting the media, noting that more than 140 new media outlets and institutions were granted licences in solar year 1404.
According to him, the ministry is also committed to improving access to information and has plans in place for the coming year.
kk/sa
