Press release
Director-General denounces killing of radio manager Toofan Omar in Afghanistan
2021/83
12 August 2021
Last update:20 April 2023
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has condemned the killing of journalist Toofan Omar in Afghanistan on 8 August.
I condemn the murder of Toofan Omar. I call on all armed groups in Afghanistan to heed the Geneva Conventions which recognize the civilian status of journalists in conflict areas and the need to protect them. Journalists in Afghanistan are demonstrating remarkable courage in pursuing their professional vocation to inform the public and uphold the fundamental human right of freedom of expression and its corollary, freedom of information. The courage of these committed women and men in the face of intolerable danger, and their vital contribution to society command our deep respect.
Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General
Unidentified gunmen shot Toofan Omar, manager of privately owned Paktia Ghag Radio, while he was travelling from Parwan Province to Kabul.
UNESCO promotes the through global awareness-raising, capacity building and a range of actions, notably in the framework of the on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.
- See also:
- Media contact: Guilherme Canela de Souza Godoi
