Access to information
It is a fundamental human right to ask for and receive, information held by public organisations and bodies. It is critically important to make sure that information held by the public, and in some cases private institutions is available and accessible to citizens in a form and/ or language understandable to them.
MISA Zimbabwe lobbies for the enactment of democratic access to information laws as 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 provided for in sections 61 and 62 of the Zimbabwe constitution.
Therefore, this programme seeks to campaign for the public to enjoy their right to be informed through unrestricted access to information.
International Day for Universal Access to information
MISA Zimbabwe commemorates September 28th as International Day for Universal Access to Information. MISA Zimbabwe celebrates Universal Access to Information Day to raise awareness about the importance of the right of access to information in Zimbabwe and throughout the world and cast the spotlight on the challenges that hamper the enjoyment of this fundamental right.
Access to information and knowledge, free expression (online and offline), respect for cultural and linguistic diversity and quality education for all, are key pillars in building knowledge societies.
Access to information news from our chapters
Media freedom critical pillar of free and fair elections
Political parties and candidates in Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections have an immense responsibility to promote the rights of journalists and the media to operate without hindrance, as this will ensure access to diverse information for informed choices and decisions....
ZIMBABWE 2023 ELECTIONS AND BEYOND: Media regulation, Journalism Safety and Security
Background In 2018 the new government led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in a welcome and progressive development, reiterated its commitment to undertake comprehensive media law reforms. Resultantly, and in the context of the ongoing media law reforms, the widely...
Asakhe Online seeks permission to livestream election court cases
A Bulawayo-based media organisation Asakhe Online filed an urgent chamber application with the High Court seeking permission to livestream cases that are pending before the court concerning challenges to the acceptance of nomination papers of various candidates in the...
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR JOURNALISM TRAINING WORKSHOP ON COURT REPORTING
MISA Zimbabwe is calling for applications from Zimbabwean journalists who have an interest in being trained on how to professionally and accurately report on the functions of the courts and court cases. Applicants are required to also attach or provide at least one...
ACHPR Special Rapporteur engages Mnangagwa on ‘Patriot Bill’
Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information has written to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, advising him against signing the Criminal Law...