Statement on the International Day for Universal Access to Information

Access to accurate, reliable, and timely information is a fundamental need for every society. In the current circumstances, people in Afghanistan need access to trustworthy information more than ever to stay informed about events and issues that affect their daily lives.
On the occasion of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, the Afghan Journalists and Media Support Organization (AJMSO) reaffirms the importance of protecting and strengthening the right of the people of Afghanistan to access information.
AJMSO believes that supporting journalists is, in essence, supporting the public’s right to know. Journalists must be able to gather, verify, and share information with the public in a professional, responsible, and ethical manner.
On this occasion, AJMSO calls on the relevant authorities to establish and strengthen effective mechanisms for the free flow of information and to facilitate the timely provision of public information.
Access to information is not only a need for the media; it is a fundamental right of the public and a shared responsibility.
AJMSO calls on the Afghan authorities to support and guarantee access to information by appointing spokespersons and media officers within government institutions and by putting in place clear and effective mechanisms for providing accurate and timely information to the public and the media.