Press Release on the commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information

The Afghan Journalists Safety Committee (AJSC) joins the national and international media support and other organizations in commemorating the International Day for Universal Access to Information, which is celebrated on 28 September.
The International Day for Universal Access to Information was proclaimed on 15 October 2019 at the 74th UN General Assembly.
On the occasion of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, the AJSC calls on the caretaker government to act on its commitments to re-establish the Access to Information Commission and to enforce the Access to Information Law of Afghanistan.
The AJSC emphasizes the significance of the citizens’ right to access to information in creating a just, transparent and accountable society, and calls on all stakeholders to strive to facilitate better access to information to citizens.
Considering the current situation in Afghanistan and the challenges facing the media organizations on accessing government-held information, the AJSC recommends the following steps: re-establishment of the Access to Information Commission, adopting the Access to Information Law of Afghanistan, recruitment of spokespersons and information officers for public bodies, and ensuring accountability of public authorities in regards with provision of credible and timely information.