As Afghanistan moves towards implementing the Access to Information Law, there is growing awareness among investigative journalists that they need to improve their own understanding of the law and how they can use it.

From April 23 to 24, 2019, USAID conducted a workshop for the Afghan media on the Access to Information Law in Kabul. Sixteen investigative journalists including five women representing media organizations such as Radio Salam Watandar, The Killid Group, Radio Azadi, PAYK, Zan TV and Etilaat Roz attended the workshop. The training focused on the Right to Information (RTI); its recent developments and importance, the international and national legal basis of RTI, how to effectively lodge appeals, and how to interpret exceptions to the right to information.

As expressed by Elyas Nawandish, Editor for Etilaat Roz News, “At the start of the training, when we were asked about the Access to Information Law, most of us didn’t have answers. This means even among experienced investigative journalists there is limited understanding of the law. That is why this training is very important. It will help us all do better investigative reporting that leads to greater government transparency.”

The journalists’ training was followed by a second workshop for the Commissioners of the Access to Information Commission, to build the Commission’s capacity to respond to the requests and complaints of the media, as well as civil society.

“Investigative journalists face many challenges in accessing information from government departments. Therefore, it is important for us to know the legal framework of the Access to Information Law and how to use it,” said Elyas Nawandash.

While the passing of the law was considered a breakthrough for media freedom in Afghanistan, journalists believe it is not living up to its promise when it comes to implementation. However, just as journalists need to learn about the law and what it allows for, similar learning is required on the part of government institutions that must comply with the law.