11-08-2021
As the United States withdraws its remaining troops from the country and Taliban militants advance, OME is alarmed by the escalating violence against journalists and members of local and international media; and calls on the authorities to protect them from targeted violence and threats. A free and open press is one of the cornerstones of a well functioning society and the ability for people to access to reliable information.
OME is deeply concerned that the troop withdrawal will eventually create an information vacuum and that the space for journalism will dwindle or even disappear entirely. It is absolutely clear that there will be no lasting peace in Afghanistan without a purposeful commitment to protect journalists and press freedom from the authorities.
Our organization calls on authorities in Afghanistan to protect freedom of expression and to ensure public access to reliable information. Reporters engaged in professional missions in areas of armed conflict must be provided with better protection measures, assuring that media workers and journalists need at this stage not to be left behind and beheaded by the Taliban.
OME is closely monitoring the situation in Afghanistan and has been in direct contact with journalists and activists to determine how best to assist.
Updates will follow as our work progresses.
OME & Supporters
Stephen Hunnewell, Executive Director and the OME Team
