Journalists for Human Rights (JHR)’s Post

#Afghanistan: Three years after the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, on August 15, 2021, journalists and media workers continue to face escalating challenges, including intimidation, censorship, and a relentless crackdown on independent #journalism. In the three years since the instatement of the Taliban in power, Afghanistan has witnessed the closure of more than half of its media outlets, with nearly 80 per cent of female journalists losing their jobs due to the new regime’s draconian restrictions. Many journalists have been forced into exile, while those who remain face a hostile environment characterised by threats, intimidation, arbitrary detention, and violence. 📣 We stand in #solidarity with all Afghan journalists, who continue to persevere under a regime that has attempted to systematically dismantle press freedom and independent media. Read the statement ⤵ International Federation of Journalists Asia-Pacific Jane Worthington John Troughton Anthony Bellanger Tim Dawson

Zan News: The "Federation of Afghan Journalists in Exile" states that three years into Taliban rule, the situation in Afghanistan is worsening day by day, making the country unsafe for journalists, human rights defenders, civil activists, and security forces. On Saturday (July 20), this federation, in an gathering, called for an end to the forced deportation of journalists, human rights defenders, security forces, and at-risk individuals from Iran. Members of this federation stated: "After the Taliban's return to power and the imposition of numerous restrictions, along with the fear of being pursued, arrested, and tortured, hundreds of journalists, human rights defenders, and at-risk individuals fled Afghanistan, seeking refuge in Iran with hopes of eventually reaching immigrant-friendly countries." The statement from the "Federation of Afghan Journalists in Exile" noted that with the intensified forced deportation of millions of Afghan migrants, including at-risk individuals in Iran, these people are now in a very difficult situation. This comes as the International Organization for Migration reported last Thursday that from April to June of this year, 858,170 people have returned to Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan, while 532,854 people have migrated to these countries. According to the report, 56% of these Afghans returned from Iran involuntarily, 46% voluntarily, and 39% due to economic difficulties. #zantv

Social cohesion instead of division: In the DR Congo, together with our partners we have trained 350 journalists to become peace journalists. They rely on positive messages and a variety of perspectives. This way, they contribute to resolving conflicts and strengthening peaceful coexistence. Read how we are helping to shape a future in which media contribute to understanding and not to the break-up of a society. 🌍📻 #ViolencePrevention #PeaceJournalism #Media https://lnkd.in/dVbqa8J3

The 2024 World Press Freedom Index saw Afghanistan plummet 26 points, ranking a dismal 178th out of 180 countries, classifying it as one of the most dangerous countries for media freedom. My recent for Observer Research Foundation delves into the complexities of media freedom in #Afghanistan and examines the impact of #Taliban policies on Afghan #journalism. Harsh V. Pant, Shivam Shekhawat

THE NUMBER OF #JOURNALIST KILLED IN #GAZA IS FAR BEYOND IN ANY MAJOR #WARS INCLUDING #WWII 📝🇵🇸👁️👁️👇🏼🆘👀⬇️🚨 “Number of Journalists killed in wars: Vietnam War: 63 journalists in 20 years World War II: 67 journalists in 7 years Gaza: 140 journalists in 6 months This violates Article 79 of Additional Protocol (I) Geneva Conventions, but international law clearly does not apply to #Israel Mohamad Safa X ✌️☮️🙏🙏🙏 Journalists and the #media fulfil a vital role in #society, #upholding and #enabling #democracy and holding power to #account. They are essential to strong and accountable institutions and to achieving the #Sustainable #Development Goals. But, this important position puts #journalists at risk. Their commitment to #investigating and revealing the #truth means they are often targeted for attack, #illegal #detention and even death. In 2022, according to the UNESCO Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), at least 88 journalists were killed for doing their jobs — a sharp increase on the preceding years. The current conflict in Israel and the #Occupied #Palestinian #Territory is taking a horrific toll on journalists. But, the majority of journalists who are killed are not #war #reporters; they are working in countries that are at peace, investigating #corruption, #trafficking, #humanrights #violations and #environmental issues. I am deeply alarmed by these #figures, and by the rise in #threats of all kinds against journalists. #Detention of journalists is at an all-time high. #Online #harassment of journalists, particularly #women, is being used as a tool to #silence them. We need better #safeguards to defend the journalists who are keeping us informed. As of April #international organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (#CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) estimate that 140 journalists and media workers, most of whom are local to Gaza, were killed so far. R.I.P. #Press We need #pressfreedom and SAFETY! Protect Journalists in Gaza let the #Press in What do they hide for the world in Gaza?” #freemedia #freejournalism #crimeagainsthumanity International Criminal Court International Court of Justice (ICJ)

In my latest for The Guardian on #WorldPressFreedomDay2024 we focus on journalists facing repression even in exile. From Iran to Haiti, hostile states continue to attack press freedom. #IranInternational

Closing our 2024 'War in #Ukraine' series, colleagues at Justice for Journalists Foundation share with us new practical recommendations for journalists working on the frontline, developed with the National Union of Journalists in Ukraine. Read more about their research & challenges facing journalists in Ukraine ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/eMMkAAN3

Israel’s Hidden Horror: The Guantanamo of the Middle East In recent months, disturbing reports have emerged about Israel’s Sde Teiman military base in the Negev Desert, drawing parallels to the infamous US detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. The revelations, based on whistleblower testimonies and investigative journalism, have raised serious concerns about human rights abuses and the conditions faced by Palestinian detainees. let’s Investigate these allegations, the systemic issues at play, and the broader implications for human rights and international law. #thinktankjournal #thinktank #thinktankproduction #research #NewsUpdate #newsfeed #newstoday #news

The New Year Brings Greater Censorship and Repression in Russia Ksenia Kirillova for the Eurasia Daily Monitor ·       Independent Russian journalists and human rights activists predict an increase in government repression and censorship at home for the new year. ·       Moscow looks to introduce new repressive measures to quell domestic discontent and prevent citizens from leaving the country. ·       Russians at home increasingly support peaceful negotiations over continuing the war against Ukraine and would likely react harshly to a new wave of mass mobilization. https://lnkd.in/eu9sujwQ