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The Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, today called for measures to improve the safety of media workers in Afghanistan following the murder of broadcast journalist Sultan Mahmoud Khairkhwah in the city of Khost, eastern Afghanistan, on 15 March.

“I condemn the killing of journalist Sultan Mahmoud Khairkhwah,” said the Director-General. “Attacks on the press undermine society and citizens’ right to obtain and exchange news, information and opinions. It is therefore important for the reconstruction of Afghanistan that no effort be spared to improve the safety of media personnel in the country.”

Two unidentified assailants shot the journalist, a reporter for Khost-based commercial broadcaster Zhman TV.

UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and a range of actions, notably the .

See also: .

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Media contact: Sylvie Coudray, s.coudray@unesco.org, +33 (0)1 45 68 08 91