September 6, 2024
Brussels, Belgium - The second Afghan Journalists' Conference was held in Brussels, bringing together journalists from Afghanistan and those living in exile.
The event was co-hosted by the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) and the Afghan Independent Journalists Union (AIJU), in collaboration with the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and with support from the Belgian government.
The one-day conference attracted over 50 journalists, both from within Afghanistan and in exile, as well as representatives from various international journalism organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Discussions took place in several working groups, focusing on critical topics such as advocacy for Afghan women journalists, human rights reporting, ensuring journalist safety, and navigating access to information in light of increasing media restrictions in Afghanistan. Participants also addressed the future of Afghan media, evaluating responsibilities, challenges, and the necessity for international support.
Furthermore, working groups produced recommendations aimed at enhancing access to information, improving journalist safety, advocating for and monitoring press freedom, and ensuring the viability and sustainability of media outlets.
The Afghan Journalists Conference-I was held in Brussels on March 15, 2023, to discuss the dire situation of journalism and media in Afghanistan under the Taliban.