Access to information

It is your fundamental human right to ask for, and receive, information held by public organisations and bodies. It is critically important to make sure information held by public, and in some cases private, institutions is available and accessible to citizens.

The right to seek, access and receive information is guaranteed by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Article 4 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa. It is also recognised in many of the constitutions of southern African countries.

MISA Zambia, through its Freedom of Expression and Access to Information Programme, aims to address the challenges affecting media freedom and freedom of expression. The programme promotes research and advocacy on media freedom, freedom of expression and Access to Information (ATI). We employ different strategies including public education on the importance of ATI legislation.

Further, MISA Zambia seeks to actively engage key stakeholders and decision makers, who may have influence in getting the Access to Information Bill, enacted.

MISA Zambia advocates for legislative changes to media laws and particularly the repeal of laws that criminalise the work of the media. The organisation has adopted new innovative and effective advocacy strategies and developed clear advocacy messages. As part of its advocacy efforts, MISA Zambia has also increased its contacts and engagement with the National Assembly, the Executive and civil society organisations while also supporting grassroots organisations in their push for information access.

Universal Access to Information Day (Right to Know Day)

MISA Zambia celebrates Universal Access to Information Day every year on 28th September. The day is used to raise awareness about the importance of the right of access to information in Zambia.