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 launches the State of the Media Report
MISA Zambia in partnership with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Zambia on Wednesday 30th August, launched the 2023 quarter 1 & 2 of the State of the Media report in Zambia. The 2023 State of the Media report in Zambia covering the period January to June has indicated...
MISA conducts Information Sessions on ATI Law in Kitwe and Kabwe
MISA Zambia is proud to have been in Kitwe and Kabwe conducting information sessions with Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) on Access to Information Law to a spectrum of stakeholders that included human rights defenders, media personnel and grassroots communities...
State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa Report launched at AMC
MISA Zambia was part of the African Media Convention (AMC) which took place from the 11th to the 13th of May 2023. During the convention, it participated in the launch of The State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa Report (2022). MISA Zambia Chairperson participated...
Regional governments commit to more openness as MISA launches press freedom report
MISA Regional launched the third State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa Report on 11 May 2023 in Lusaka, Zambia, where government officials from four regional countries agreed to closely co-operate with civil society organisations in improving freedom of expression...
The State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa Report 2022 ( Now Available)
FOREWORD SHAPING A FUTURE OF RIGHTS: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AS THE DRIVER OF ALL OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS THE past few years have proven to be tough where it concerns the exercise and enjoyment of media freedom and freedom of expression in the Southern African region. The...