I will start with the theme of the Windhoek Declaration +30 โ Information as a public good. With this in mind, we push forward the main argument that electoral management bodies (EMBs), have a critical responsibility as custodians of elections.
Statements
Information disorders during elections in Southern Africa
The media, citizens, and governments have a role to play in ensuring the dissemination of accurate and factual information while curbing misinformation and disinformation through regulations, programmes, and awareness.
INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS (Statement)
A report by Citizen Lab in December 2020 revealed that at least three Southern African countries โ Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe โ had acquired surveillance equipment from Circles, an Israeli firm.
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.ย 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 PEOPLESโ RIGHTS ON THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA AT THE 77th ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLESโ RIGHTS.
In 2022, we were optimistic that Southern Africa had turned the corner regarding attacks against journalists. However, we were jolted back to reality by the death of Ralikonelo Joki, the Lesotho broadcaster, who was shot and killed as he drove out of his work of employment. Before his death, Joki received death threats through social media platforms.
MISA Regional Director re-elected into IFEX Governing Councilย
Dr Moyo was elected with 12 other council members for a three-year term from 2023 to 2026, which will mark his last term in office.ย ย
World Press Freedom Day Commemorations โ 30 years on!
The year 2023 has seen the bulk of the southern African countries making positive steps in the rankings of the Reporters Without Borders Index. Of the 15 countries that were ranked, six slid down the ladder of rankings. One of the six that had a negative movement is Namibia dropping from position 18 to 22 yet maintaining the number one position in Africa.ย
MISA Regional World Press Freedom Day Statement
Thus, the theme for this yearโs World Press Freedom Day โ Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights โ is quite apt as it serves as a reminder of the centrality of freedom of expression in the enjoyment of all other human rights.
Welcome remarks to 10th Anniversary of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists Africa Commemorations
Without wanting to preempt todayโs discussions, may I invite you to remember the four Ps on the safety of journalists โ Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnerships. This illustrates that we all have a role in promoting the safety of journalists from the media, civil society, the police and judiciary, and our governments.
SPACES OF SOLIDARITY MEETING RESOLUTIONS
The resolutions set out principles of the Spaces of Solidarity, which are key for the organisations working on the promotion and defence of expression in Southern Africa and guiding the way forward in pursuit of the set objectives.