Free Speech Hub is a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Afghan journalists and upholding press freedom and freedom of speech. Our primary mission is to address the critical needs of journalists and media professionals in Afghanistan and in exile.
Through these efforts, the Hub aims to uphold journalistic integrity, advocate for press freedom on a global scale, and catalyze positive change within Afghanistan by fostering transparency, access to information, and democratic principles.
The organization was founded by a board of 16 distinguished journalists and media managers in Afghanistan. On August 15, 2021, the Hub faced a hiatus in its activities after the collapse of the previous government, leading to the displacement of its members in exile. Now, after a two-and-a-half-year break, the Hub is resolute in resuming its mission and officially registered on January 31, 2024, as a Non-Profit institution under the Canada-Not-For-Profit Corporation Act in the city of Toronto, ON.
The organization's governing body is the Board of Directors, comprising individuals deeply committed to the mission and possessing expertise in media, freedom of expression, and related fields. This diverse Board ensures a comprehensive approach to fulfilling the goals of the Hub by incorporating a variety of perspectives and experiences.
On February 16, 2021, the Hub proudly introduced the face of Afghanistan’s freedom of expression, a groundbreaking initiative that saw over 1,700 nominations from journalists across various provincial centers of Afghanistan. In a landmark decision by a discerning panel of judges, Anisa Shahid, a distinguished female journalist, was declared the winner and honored as the best Afghan journalist of the year. This historic achievement signifies the first instance where a journalistic organization officially acknowledged a female journalist as the embodiment of freedom of expression. Additionally, the Hub actively disseminated numerous news statements dedicated to fortifying freedom of expression and aiding journalists in their crucial tasks.
On December 6, 2023, Said Najib Asil was elected as the President and CEO through internal elections, securing the most votes. As per the Hub's bylaws, all members have the right to actively participate in meetings, contribute to discussions, vote on organizational matters, and receive regular updates on the organization's activities. Membership is open to all journalists aligning with the purpose and mission of the Hub, committed to promoting a free and vibrant media landscape.
Based on its structure, the mission of the organization is multifaceted. It includes actively monitoring Afghan media for transparency and accuracy, advocating for access to information as a fundamental right, and creating a supportive environment for Afghan journalists, especially Afghan women journalists. The Free Speech Hub is committed to not only defending freedom of expression but also fostering an ecosystem that encourages open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas both within Afghanistan and on a global scale.