Media asked not to identify female victims

KABUL’s Affairs on Sunday asked all media outlets to act in accordance with laws that prohibited disclosing violence victim’s identity and publishing their pictures.

In a statement, the ministry said article 45, clause 7 of the mass media law and article 5, clause 3 of the elimination of violence against women law prohibited the disclosure of violence victim’s identity and consider such actions as a criminal offense.

It said the mass media was expected to prepare and broadcast useful and effective programmes aimed at improving women and girl’s conditions and increasing public awareness about their rights under Sharia and other laws.

The ministry said the media was also expected to emphasise on women’s security in the society.   

“We strongly believe that scientific research and scrutiny to identify causes of violence in the society can reduce violence against women not publishing their pictures in the media.”

The Ministry of Women’s Affairs said it would like to express its gratitude and thanks to all mass media for their joint efforts and cooperation in broadcasting and publishing issues related to women.

The ministry said national and Islamic values and traditions emphasised on protecting human dignity and Islamic law emphasised on protecting women’s dignity, pride and observing confidentiality in dealing with their cases.

“The instrumental use of women, girls and children’s cases in order to produce stories, tragedy or comedy shows or programs may absorb more audience to the media but it could have very painful and dangerous consequences for the individual. Lack of attention to this important issue might destroy the future of individuals.”

The ministry said although mass media had the obligation to increase awareness in society but publishing and broadcasting cases related to women, disclosing victim’s identity, showing victims of violence through visual media put the victims at risks which could not be prevented and the harms and damages could not be compensated, something contrary to the concept of ensuring security in the society.

pr/ma

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