Journalists in Exile

 

Author: Dr. Mohammad Sayer Nikzad

Introduction

After the fall of the Afghan government in 2021 and the resurgence of the Taliban, a new wave of suppression targeted journalists and media in Afghanistan. Afghan journalists, once committed to reflecting the truth, now face hard choices and threats like imprisonment, torture, or death. Many were forced to leave their homeland, seeking refuge in countries such as Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan. However, their journey to these new lands is fraught with serious economic, social, and psychological challenges.

This article explores the migration status, economic crises, and psychological pressures faced by Afghan journalists in exile, especially in countries like Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan.

Forced Migration of Afghan Journalists

With the rise of the Taliban, media freedom in Afghanistan was severely restricted. Journalists were quickly targeted, and many, due to threats to their lives and families, were forced to flee the country. Female journalists, in particular, were under immense threat, and many sought refuge in neighboring countries to save their lives.

Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan have been the primary destinations for Afghan journalists. Iran, given its proximity and cultural ties, is the first choice for many Afghans. However, Iran is also struggling with economic issues and government pressures, making it a challenging place for Afghan migrants.

Pakistan, historically a host to waves of Afghan refugees, continues to receive many of them. However, complex political relations between the two countries and security concerns have made life difficult for refugees, especially journalists.

Turkey, serving as a bridge between East and West, is also a key destination for Afghan migrants. However, strict immigration laws and the lack of widespread acceptance of refugees have placed Afghan journalists in an unstable and uncertain situation.

The Economic Situation of Afghan Journalists in Exile

One of the biggest challenges for Afghan journalists in exile is their economic situation. Most of them, after fleeing Afghanistan, not only lost their jobs and incomes but are also facing economic crises in countries like Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan.

In Iran, Afghan migrants face numerous challenges in finding jobs due to strict residency and employment laws. Most of them end up working in informal and low-paying jobs, a significant social decline for journalists who once worked in reputable media outlets.

In Turkey, finding work for Afghan migrants is even more difficult. Exiled journalists in this country often live in precarious economic conditions and face severe restrictions in obtaining work permits.

Pakistan, while hosting a large number of Afghan refugees, is also grappling with its internal economic struggles. Many Afghan journalists in this country turn to informal and sometimes risky work, as finding formal employment opportunities is very limited.

Psychological and Social Pressures

Afghan journalists living in exile face intense psychological pressures. Leaving their country, losing their jobs and social identities, and being separated from family and friends are all major factors contributing to their increased stress and anxiety. Many exiled journalists, due to a lack of access to psychological services and adequate social support, struggle with depression, social isolation, and feelings of hopelessness.

In Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan, psychological support systems for migrants, especially journalists, are limited and sometimes inaccessible. Afghan migrants in these countries are often disconnected from their social and cultural networks, which severely affects their mental health.

Identity and Social Challenges

In addition to psychological pressures, Afghan journalists in exile face identity challenges. They have been separated from a society in which they once played an active and influential role, and in their new countries, they feel a sense of loss and lack of identity. In Iran, many Afghan migrants face social and legal discrimination, and similar situations exist in Turkey and Pakistan.

This loss of identity, coupled with the lack of access to financial resources and social services, causes Afghan journalists in exile to become marginalized and even give up on efforts to return to their profession.

Conclusion

Afghan journalists in exile face multiple challenges: from forced migration and loss of jobs and identity to economic crises and severe psychological pressures. These journalists, who were once advocates of freedom of speech and human rights in Afghanistan, now struggle with harsh conditions in countries like Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan.

International support and the establishment of social and economic support networks for these journalists are essential. Although Afghan journalists in exile have been distanced from their homeland, their voices still need to be heard so they can continue their fight for the truth.

Dr. Mohammad Sayer Nikzad

Tehran, 2024/09/21