"On 5 September 2002, an International Seminar bringing together representatives of the Afghan government, local civil society and the international community adopted a Declaration on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic Media in Afghanistan (‘the Declaration’). This Declaration, together wi
...
th the Policy Directions on Reconstruction and Development of Media in Afghanistan issued by the Minister for Information and Culture on 6 June (‘the Policy Directions’), constitutes the basic framework for the development of media policy in Afghanistan. Both the Policy Directions and the Declaration are firmly rooted in international law and standards. This Explanatory Memorandum seeks to elaborate the international and comparative law basis for the Declaration, particularly relating to the guarantee of freedom of expression. It draws on international law, as elaborated in the decisions of international courts and authoritative international statements, as well as leading national court decisions interpreting constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression. It is intended to contribute towards implementation of the Policy Directions and Declaration. Where possible, specific suggestions are made for the practical implementation of individual action points mentioned in the Declaration. This memorandum first discusses the importance of freedom of expression in a democratic society, with particular emphasis on the special role of the media. It then provides a commentary on those issues addressed in the Declaration which are of a legal or regulatory nature, including public service broadcasting and the promotion of an independent and pluralistic media." (Introduction)
more
"This study, sponsored by the Communication Assistance Foundation, examines the potential for community-based radio in Afghanistan and identifies examples of how community radio can support initiatives for community development. The report and its recommendations are primarily intended as a resource
...
for agencies and organizations considering supporting radio, media or communication activities in the country, whether with funds or expertise [...] The report's main conclusion is that community radio is not only a viable option for Afghanistan, it is also a low-cost and effective way of contributing to medium and long-term efforts for reconstruction, development, democracy and nation-building. Community radio can be the missing link in a three-tiered publicservice radio system made up of national, regional and local radio stations. Recommendations deal with awareness of community radio, legal issues, governance, technology, and coordination of activities." (Executive summary, page II-III)
more
"The Handbook for Afghan Journalists is designed to help Afghan journalists in three ways. First, it serves as an explanation in their own language to many of the ideas and concepts behind international journalism. Second, it provides practical guidance on many of the basic techniques of journalism.
...
To this end there are 12 exercises in the book. Some of them have answers provided at the end, and others either have no correct answers or are designed to be worked on in the classroom with a teacher. Third, the glossary at the back is intended to serve as a reference to explain and introduce many concepts which may be new to Afghan journalists. A wider range of reporting on economic and humanitarian issues is essential to strong public debate - and good government and international community strategies - if Afghanistan's bid for peace and development is to succeed. Journalists need familiarity with basic concepts in these fields to report on them properly." (Introduction, page 2)
more
"This article explores the bipolar structure of communication in Afghanistan, where the latest technological advancements in media coexist with a complex system of traditional communication. After 22 years of civil war and the destruction of most modern media facilities, Afghanistan's traditional ch
...
annels of communication have become even more significant. This article examines the history of the press in Afghan politics and society and asks what roles modern and traditional communication systems and values may play in the future." (Abstract)
more
"The use of folk arts in rural development clearly has limitations as to the role that it can play in changing people’s behavior, but it is an effective tool for communication in most cases. The greatest strength of this type of informal education lies in its ability to capture the audience’s at
...
tention through entertaining spectacles and to convey new ideas and information to people. In addition, the Bhats’ social position plays an important role in the education process, as they are a marginal community that has provided social commentary through performance arts for centuries. Thus by employing them, NGOs and government agencies appropriate the benefits of their ritual discursive authority. Also, these organizations are aided by the inversions of the social order that occur during shows because the folk artists are able to command the attention of large audiences and thus disseminate their messages among diverse groups of people. In addition, the kathputli tradition of North India is steeped in mythology and symbolism, and these traits give the puppets themselves special ideological status as metonyms and liminars. In turn, these attributes allow the puppets to exist in a realm that is different from that of live actors, and thus they can communicate more effectively as they are exempt from many of the rules and biases that are linked to human behavior. Despite the numerous benefits of using folk arts in development programs, follow-up sessions and more extensive education for villagers and performers are needed to change behaviors regarding complex issues. These performances are quite successful at conveying information, but people are unlikely to incorporate into their lives new ideas regarding issues like folk medicines." (Conclusion, page 63)
more
"The information campaign that IOM Tbilisi is implementing in Georgia during the year 2002 aims at preventing irregular migration and trafficking in human beings from Georgia. IOM will seek to raise the awareness of potential irregular migrants of the pitfalls of irregular migration and to alert the
...
m about the inherent dangers in trafficking. This information will give potential migrants a more realistic picture of possibilities for regular migration and help them to counterbalance misperceptions and deliberately misleading information. IOM conducts the information campaign in the framework of the “Cluster” process, which is an ongoing dialogue on irregular migration between countries of origin in the South Caucasus and those of destination in Western Europe." (Executive summary)
more
"The Companion Encyclopedia of Middle Eastern and North African Film is a unique, one volume work which illuminates a fascinating variety of cinema which is little known outside its own area. The Encyclopedia is divided into nine chapters, each written by a leading scholar in the field. Each chapter
...
covers the history and major issues of film within that area, as well as providing bibliographies of the leading films, directors and actors. The areas covered are: Central Asia, Egypt, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, The Magreb, Palestine, Turkey. It contains more than 60 black and white photographs of featured films, includes references and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter, and the volume concludes with comprehensive name, film and general indexes." (Publisher description)
more