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
Presentation by MISA Regional Director Dr Tabani Moyo at the Africa Electoral Justice Network (AEJN) webinar on disinformation and electoral justice
My Lords, My Ladies, and representatives of the Electoral Management Bodies (EMB), it is a great honour for MISA to engage in this august meeting on the relevant topic of disinformation and electoral justice, especially in our region of Southern Africa, which has a...
Information disorders during elections in Southern Africa
Fake news and information disorders have become pervasive challenges during elections in Southern Africa. During a recent X space discussion titled: Let's talk: information disorders in Southern Africa, hosted by MISA Zimbabwe, Prisiel Samu, Programmes Coordinator at...
INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS (Statement)
Presentation by MISA Regional Director, Dr Tabani Moyo, at the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commission Panel Discussion on Legal Threats to Safety of Journalists in commemoration of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists....
Prevent, protect and provide justice to end impunity for crimes against journalists
The Southern African region had in the past few years experienced an improvement in the media freedom environment. However, the last year has been characterised by democratic backsliding that has manifested in growing impunity for crimes against journalists and...
MISA STATEMENT TO THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS ON THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA AT THE 77th ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS.
Presented by Dr Tabani Moyo (MISA Regional Director) An age of democratic backsliding Chairperson, Honourable Commissioners, state delegates, ladies and gentlemen, the Media Institute of Southern Africa MISA presents this statement during the 77th Session of the...