Exiled Afghan Journalists Meet in Toronto to Discuss Press Freedom and Resettlement

The Freedom of Expression Center held its third annual meeting in Toronto, Canada, to mark World Press Freedom Day. The gathering brought together approximately 300 exiled journalists, media activists, and academics from more than 40 countries to discuss the current state of media and the challenges facing professionals in exile.

Najib Asil, the founder and head of the center, addressed the assembly regarding the professional and financial hardships Afghan media professionals face in their host countries. Asil stated that many of these journalists are experiencing significant unemployment and financial instability, which hinders their ability to continue their professional work.

As part of the discussions, Asil urged the Canadian government to increase its resettlement support. He specifically called for expanded efforts to assist Afghan journalists who are currently residing in Pakistan and Turkey, noting the precarious nature of their current situations.

The conference also focused on the broader media crisis and the decline of press freedom in Afghanistan. Participants highlighted the specific struggles and systemic barriers encountered by female journalists in the current environment. The event featured a senior BBC journalist and author of a book about Kabul, who praised the resilience and ongoing work of the exiled Afghan journalistic community.