The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AJC) has said that the public’s right to access information in the country has faced unprecedented repression and has effectively been eliminated, adding that the Taliban have systematically restricted this right.
The center said on Monday, September 28, on the occasion of International Day for Universal Access to Information, that Afghanistan under Taliban rule has moved in the opposite direction in terms of legally and practically guaranteeing citizens’ access to information.
According to findings by the Afghanistan Journalists Center, at least 24 restrictive directives targeting freedom of expression and media activities have been issued since the Taliban takeover in August 2021.
The center said these directives conflict with the Mass Media Law and the Access to Information Law of Afghanistan.
The Afghanistan Journalists Center added that the restrictions imposed have reduced people’s access to the information they need and further constrained the activities of journalists.
September 28 has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the International Day for Universal Access to Information. The day emphasizes legally and practically guaranteeing citizens’ right to access information.
