The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has warned that journalism is facing unprecedented pressure worldwide, citing increasing censorship, rising attacks on journalists, the spread of AI-generated misinformation, and declining support for independent media as serious threats to the future of a free press.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page on Monday, 21 July, UNAMA referred to a report supported by UNESCO, saying the findings are based on the latest scientific research and highlight the vital role of independent journalism in providing reliable information, promoting transparency, combating corruption, and improving crisis management.

Posing the question, “What would we lose if free journalism were weakened?”, UNAMA stressed that the erosion of independent media would undermine the public interest and deprive citizens of access to credible and trustworthy information.

The warning comes as journalists and media outlets in Afghanistan continue to face extensive restrictions, security pressure, and a shrinking space for independent reporting following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021.