Afghanistan News24: The Afghanistan Journalists Support Organization expresses deep concern over the catastrophic conditions faced by Afghan refugee journalists in neighbouring countries, especially Iran and Pakistan. Verified reports indicate an alarming rise in arbitrary arrests, intimidation, forced deportations, and denial of access to essential services, placing the lives and dignity of these journalists in jeopardy.
These journalists, who were forced to flee Afghanistan due to their professional media work, resistance to censorship, security threats, and political pressure, now find themselves in situations where their lives and human dignity are seriously at high risk.
We have received reports that in Pakistan, the visa extension process for journalists has been halted, leaving many of them in an uncertain legal status. In Iran, there are numerous reports of treatment by authorities toward Afghan journalists and other refugees that lack human dignity, clear violations of human rights.
AJSO urgently calls for immediate and coordinated international action:
- Immediate protection for Afghan refugee journalists in Iran and Pakistan, including the cessation of arbitrary detentions and deportations;
- Accelerated resettlement pathways to safe third countries;
- Legal clarity and visa extensions to ensure journalists can remain safely in host countries while durable solutions are pursued;
- Unhindered access to healthcare, education, and legal aid services;
- Ongoing monitoring by the United Nations, European Union, and international human rights organizations to document and respond to violations against Afghan journalists.
We appeal to the United Nations, UNHCR, the European Union, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and other global stakeholders to take urgent and decisive action. Afghan journalists should not be left voiceless and unprotected in exile.
The Afghanistan Journalists Support Organization will continue its advocacy efforts to protect Afghan journalists and calls on all partner organizations and the international community to join us in this mission.
