RSF Reports Mass Exodus of Afghan Journalists Since Fall of Kabul

RSF Reports Mass Exodus of Afghan Journalists Since Fall of Kabul
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Reporters Without Borders has reported a large-scale exodus of Afghan journalists since the fall of Kabul on August 15, 2021, saying 677 Afghan media workers have been forced to leave the country with the organization’s direct support.

According to the new RSF report, Afghan journalists account for nearly half of all cases registered under the organization’s international assistance program. The displaced journalists are currently scattered across 28 countries.

According to 8am Media, the highest number of departures took place in 2022, when 183 Afghan journalists and media workers left the country due to rising threats, severe restrictions and concerns over personal safety.

The report highlights the continuing pressure on Afghanistan’s media sector since 2021, with journalists facing growing limitations, security risks and shrinking space for independent reporting.

Rights organizations have repeatedly warned that the departure of large numbers of media professionals has weakened Afghanistan’s press landscape and left many journalists in exile facing uncertainty, financial hardship and legal challenges in host countries.