Media law and reform

The right to express oneself is a fundamental human right outlined in International Law. However, most societies would agree there are types of expression that are not acceptable and which conflict with other human rights, such as promoting hate speech.

For this reason, Governments use laws to limit freedom of expression if it conflicts with other human rights, such as the protection of the rights or reputations of others, national security, public order, public health and morals. Unfortunately, governments, private institutions and individuals around the world can abuse such limitations, using legislation and the judicial system unjustly to control expression and quash opposing views.

Media law reform news from our chapters

MISA launches fifth annual state of press freedom report

MISA launches fifth annual state of press freedom report

MISA Regional officially launched the fifth edition of the State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa report on 8 May 2025, a key evidence-based advocacy tool for improving the safety of journalists in the region.   The 2025 report was launched at the belated...

MISA Zambia launches two reports

MISA Zambia launches two reports

MISA Zambia today hosted a dissemination event for the Legal and Regulatory Research and the report on Media Capture titled ‘Transparency and Trust: Newsroom Policies’. During the dissemination event, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Kennedy...