Practical measures should be taken to improve the situation of the media/Human rights institutions have remained silent regarding the killing of Palestinian journalists!

Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) - Kabul: On the eve of the 17th of February, the National Journalists Day in the country, a ceremony to commemorate this day, along with the memory of the martyred journalists of Palestine, was held by the National House of Journalists of Afghanistan today (Saturday, 15th of March) with the presence of officials of the Islamic Emirate, officials of organizations supporting journalists, university professors and officials of the country's media, including Sayed Shabir Mahmoudi, head of the Afghan Voice Agency (AVA) headquarters in western Kabul.

 

At this ceremony, Sayed Yasin Matin, head of the National House of Journalists of Afghanistan, emphasized that journalism is not just a job, but a great mission that requires dedication and continuous effort. Referring to the activities of the National House of Journalists, he announced the holding of educational seminars to improve the quality of journalists' work and mentioned the signing of memorandums of understanding with private universities "Rana" and "Bakhtar" to provide a 70 percent discount on journalists' educational fees.

 

Matin also considered the lack of access to information as one of the serious challenges for journalists, saying that this issue leads to the spread of rumors and misinformation in society.

 

He called for greater cooperation from relevant institutions in facilitating journalists' access to information.

 

He also referred to the situation of journalists in Palestine, adding that a large number of Palestinian journalists have been martyred by the Zionist regime, but human rights organizations and journalists have remained silent in this regard, and some of these institutions not only do not prevent these killings, but also play a role in crimes against the defenseless Palestinian people.

 

Afghan Media in the Face of Crises

Hojjatullah Mujadedi, head of the Afghan Free Journalists' Union, addressed the situation of the media during the republican era and after the recent developments. Referring to the approval of the free media regulation during the republican era, he said that this regulation could have guaranteed journalists' job security.

 

He also announced the establishment of a journalist support fund by the Ministry of Information and Culture, calling it an effective step to improve the situation of journalists and the media.

 

Mojaddidi also expressed concern about the unfair allocation of financial projects to certain media outlets, saying that these projects are implemented without proper supervision, while domestic journalists enjoy less support.

 

Media and Soft War

 

Hojatoleslam Walmuslimin Sayyid Hashem Javadi Balkhabi, Chairman of the Council for the Resolution of Nomads and Villagers’ Conflicts, emphasized in his speech the importance of the role of the media in transmitting information.

 

He said that countries around the world are engaged in soft war through the media, and Islamic media must be strengthened to counter Western propaganda.

 

Sayyid Qaribullah Sadat, an expert on political issues, also emphasized the need to investigate news and strengthen domestic media to counter foreign media propaganda.

 

He called on the Islamic Emirate to provide the necessary conditions for the extensive activity of domestic media.

 

The need for specialized training for journalists

University professor Hanif Farzan pointed out the role of journalists in raising public awareness and said that providing clear and accurate information is one of the main duties of journalists.

 

He emphasized that journalists must have professional skills and that substandard training can damage the credibility of the media.

 

Farzan also warned that some educational institutions are holding journalism courses without specialized staff, which has reduced the quality of journalists' work. He called for the establishment of a professional and transparent system for training, monitoring, and supporting journalists.

 

Economic Problems and Job Security for Journalists

Mujibullah Arman, head of news at Salam Watandar Radio, considered economic problems to be one of the main challenges for journalists and said that to ensure their job security, media-supporting institutions and the Islamic Emirate must take effective measures.

 

He emphasized that the principles of journalism should not fall victim to societal clamor and that the media can have a direct impact on the social, political, and economic situation of the country.