IMS in Afghanistan

A journalist stands on a watch point with a camera and a solidier in Afghanistan

IMS has been engaged in Afghanistan since 2001, promoting access to free and independent media alongside the predominant challenge of improving Afghan journalists’ safety. But the situation right now is extremely serious: Hundreds of Afghan journalists are in dire need of support or protection and the country’s population as a whole needs humanitarian support in an environment of extreme uncertainty, where the media still operating are treading on unknown territory.

For women journalists in Afghanistan, showing up for work is an act of resistance

We want to honour the women journalists around the world who resist oppression and continue to work despite all the risks they encounter.

In this video, women journalists from four different regions in Afghanistan describe the conditions they live in and their dreams for the future. Due to the prevailing conditions in Afghanistan, we have had to change the names, faces and voices of the women in this story.

As one woman journalist puts it: “Even now, working without making my identity or face known, I aim to make my voice heard louder and I am more determined than ever.”

A woman working for Tolo News in Afghanistan sits at a news desk. She is fully veiled in black and holds her head in her hands - the only exposed skin visible.

Support Afghan journalists

IMS is working with partners to ensure access to information for the Afghan population by:

Keeping as many independent media outlets as possible operating both in-country and outside of Afghanistan.
Reporting on violence against journalists, as well as advising media and other stakeholders on safety.
All of the above efforts with a specific emphasis on supporting women journalists.

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Latest

The Taliban wants Afghan women in media to become invisible

Since the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan’s government in mid-August 2021, the situation for women journalists has changed completely.

Masquerade for Afghan journalists

Afghan exiled journalist Wahida Faizi touched base with colleagues back in Kabul one month after the Taliban ordered all women on TV – including presenters – to cover their faces.

With the fall of Kabul – the fall of Afghan independent media

In the beginning of 2021, the Afghan independent media scene was one of the most vibrant in the region. By December, hundreds of journalists had fled, even more were in distress within the country and media outlets closed.

IMS’ support for Afghan journalists

IMS is continuing its efforts to support Afghan journalists in the country and to protect free press in the rapidly-changing media landscape. Learn more about our work.

How did we get here?

While the fall of Kabul garnered headlines around the world, Afghanistan has consistently been one of the most dangerous places for journalists to work in the world. Below is a round up of IMS’ work and findings from the last 10 years, tracking the developments in Aghanistan and the conditions for Afghan journalists.

Press freedom in jeopardy in Afghanistan as journalists are targeted in assassination campaign

As of early in 2021, media workers, human rights defenders and intellectuals were being targeted amid a surge in violence.

Situation for media workers in Afghanistan remains alarming

In 2018, there were 121 cases of documented violence against journalists and 17 journalists were killed in Afghanistan.

The first 10 years in Afghanistan

Threats to media never faded in Afghanistan, and during our first decade in the country, IMS helped establish a comprehensive set-up for the safety of journalists – safety structures that were frequently put to use.

Situation report on violence against media workers in Afghanistan

There was a marked increase in violence against journalists in 2017. This report by AJSC analyses the rise in the level of violence, attributing it to continued impunity for violence against journalists.