HERAT - Strengthening a free press by empowering journalists, especial women working in the media, was the key topic of a series of UN-backed events in the western province of Herat.

Afghan journalists from several media outlets attended the January events, which were hosted by the regional office of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to provide platforms where journalists could discuss press freedom, safety and other issues related to their work at the provincial level.

At the events, Khalil Osman, the head of UNAMA’s Herat regional office, underlined the importance of the media in providing information to the public and serving as an oversight mechanism for government performance.

“UNAMA is committed to supporting the media in Afghanistan,” he stressed. “The active engagement of female journalists is especially important for keeping communities informed and providing a fresh perspective on current events.”

Event participants deliberated about the various ways the government could work to protect journalists and other media professionals, and welcomed the provincial government’s initiative to establish a special safety committee to protect journalists.

The recently formed safety committee was set up by Herat Police to coordinate various government organs in protecting journalists, especially in emergency situations. The first meeting of the committee was conducted in December 2016. 

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and the people of Afghanistan as a political mission that provides 'good offices' among other key services. 'Good offices' are diplomatic steps the UN takes publicly and in private, drawing on its independence, impartiality and integrity, to prevent international disputes from arising, escalating or spreading.

UNAMA also promotes coherent development support by the international community; assists the process of peace and reconciliation; monitors and promotes human rights and the protection of civilians in armed conflict; promotes good governance; and encourages regional cooperation.