Access to information
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.
Access to information news from our chapters
MISA Regional Chairperson`s opening remarks at the 2024 Spaces of Solidarity
Dear Colleagues Kindly allow me to kickstart my speech by riding on the protocols observed from yesterday’s summit. As a journalist educator, I found yesterday’s session informative and interesting. I will undoubtedly be one of the most eager participants in similar...
Submissions to the All Africa Judges and Jurists Summit, Nairobi, Kenya, 18 September 2024
by MISA Regional Director Dr Tabani Moyo My Lords, My Ladies, the leadership of the Africa Judges and Jurists Forum (AJJF), distinguished delegates to the All Africa Judges and Jurists Summit, it is a great honour for MISA to engage in this august meeting on the...
Open Letter to the AU Heads of State and Government on the Endorsed Continental AI Strategy and African Digital Compact
Date: 22 July 2024 Your Excellencies, 1. This open letter is produced in response to the statement made on 17 June 2024 by the African Union Commission announcing the endorsement of the Continental Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and African Digital Compact by...
MISA commends Government for operationalizing Access to Information Law
PRESS STATEMENT For Immediate Release Lusaka, Zambia – MISA Zambia Chapter extends its heartfelt commendation to the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Information and Media for signing Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 35 of 2024, which...
MISA Regional 2023 Annual Report (Now Available!!!)
Expression in the Age of Fragmentation The world is more fragmented today than ever. Strife is more pronounced at a global scale, with conflicts degenerating to armed conflict. The number of people living in fragile states is perpetually on the increase, while more...