ASADABAD - The essential role of media in supporting democracy and development was discussed at a UN-backed event in Kunar, an eastern mountainous province facing numerous security challenges in its mostly rural, remote communities.

More than 50 people, including the Deputy Provincial Governor, civil society representatives, members of the media and community leaders, came to Asadabad, Kunar's capital, to attend the daylong event, which comes just two weeks ahead of World Press Freedom Day.

The participants focused on improving the ability of the media to raise awareness about human rights, good governance and the importance of coordination between government groups, civil society and journalists.

Deputy Governor Qazi Muhamad Nabi Ahmadi, urging participants to work together to empower and support media and civil society in Kunar, pointed out that better coordination between media outlets, government officials and civil society groups will pave the way to development initiatives and a more prosperous province.

While sharing their views on the challenges they face in their daily work, representatives from media outlets expressed their concern about the safety of journalists in the province and identified issues related to reporting on security incidents and corruption.

Shawali Salarzai, the editor of local magazine ‘Voice of Kunar,’ called on media outlets to broadcast people’s views as a crucial need, especially in the context of the challenges the journalists discussed at the event. “Media outlets should stop pro-party broadcasts and should concentrate on public voices,” he said.

The event participants collectively urged the Information and Culture department to empower media outlets by expanding TV and radio broadcasting coverage to all districts to keep Kunar’s rural residents informed of current events.

In response, Hashmatullah Zhman, representing the provincial department of Information and Cultural, expressed full support to state-run and independent media outlets, while Deputy Governor Ahmadi agreed to establish a special committee to support journalists and address the challenges they face.

Several media outlets, including RTA and Bayan, broadcast news of the event, reaching residents in and around Kunar.

UNAMA is mandated to support the Afghan Government and relevant international and local non-governmental organizations to assist in the full implementation of the fundamental freedoms and human rights provisions of the Afghan Constitution and international treaties to which Afghanistan is a State party, in particular those regarding the full enjoyment by women of their human rights.