Delays, restrictions on access to information hinder reporting, fight against rumours: Journalists — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): Timely access to accurate and official information can play an important role in preventing the spread of rumours and misinformation. However, journalists in some cases face delays or difficulties in obtaining information, which can create an environment for unverified narratives to spread. World Access to Information Day is observed annually on 28 September. UNESCO designated the day in 2015 and it was first observed in 2016. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) also recognised 28 September as the International Day for Universal Access to Information in 2019. Sodaba Haidari, a Salam Watandar Radio reporter, said journalists’ access to information had improved compared with the past and most government institutions now have designated spokespersons. However, some departments still provide journalists with incomplete information or no information at all, while selective responses are sometimes given. She noted that delays in receiving official information had sometimes prevented her from completing and publishing her reports on time. “There have been days when I have worked on a report from morning until evening and collected all the necessary information, but because the government did not respond to our questions, my report was not published,” she explained. Haidari added that the absence of timely official information could influence public opinion and create an environment for rumours to spread. She suggested that government departments provide…