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
Content Production and Practices in the Digital Age: Threats, Risks, and Opportunities
Virtual Presentation by MISA Regional Director Dr Tabani Moyo at the Media, Human Rights, Citizenship and Development Forum 02 December 2024, Maputo, Mozambique. Chairperson, esteemed members of the diplomatic community, MISA Mozambique Governing Council, the media...
Collective efforts vital in fighting gender-based violence
The government, together with the country’s constitutional Independent Commissions Supporting Democracy and civil society organisations, should unite and intensify efforts to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls offline and online. Violence against...
MISA Zimbabwe Analysis of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill
Introduction The recently gazetted Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill is meant to modernise the legal framework and industrialise the sector while addressing the issue of motor vehicle radio licences. The Bill, among other issues, seeks to align the Broadcasting...
MISA Zimbabwe analysis and position on new data regulations
The Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07] was gazetted on December 3rd , 2021, and came into force on the same day. In essence, the data protection law mandates that all businesses operating in Zimbabwe (and outside) adhere to data protection and privacy...
Zimbabwe should stay the course in reducing media freedom violations
This year’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI), commemorated annually on 2 November, offers Zimbabwe the opportunity to reflect on how best it can improve its international press freedom rankings. The commemorations are being held...