AIB joins media organisations and NGOs to call on G7 for urgent, immediate support to Afghan journalists

The Association for International Broadcasting [AIB] has joined with 50 NGOs, civil society organisations and media support organisations across the world in calling for the G7 and members of the Media Freedom Coalition to take urgent and immediate action to support Afghan journalists.

“The AIB is committed to supporting those in Afghanistan who have supported freedom of expression,” says AIB chief executive Simon Spanswick. “Many hundreds of journalists and support workers have been involved in telling stories about the country to audiences in and beyond Afghanistan over the past 20 years. Many have worked with international news organisations, including AIB Members, to ensure the free flow of news. Now is their time of need and the international community needs to support everyone who needs and who seeks safe refuge outside the country.”

The recommendations, which are being shared with the Group of Seven countries ahead of their planned G7 meeting on Afghanistan on 24 August, also stress the importance of safe passage to exit routes out of Afghanistan and securing channels for money to flow into Afghanistan.

The AIB is working with a number of its Members to secure safe passage from the country for those who have contributed to the success of media within Afghanistan and to reporting the country to the world.

For more information on the call to the G7 and Media Freedom Coalition, or for assistance for those needing to leave the country, contact Simon Spanswick at the AIB Secretariat in the UK – telephone +44 20 7993 2557.