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
Election observer missions’ findings on Zimbabwe elections
In a preliminary statement released in Harare on 25 August 2023, the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) noted that some aspects of Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections fell short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Electoral Act, and the SADC...
Internet degrade on the eve of elections
NetBlocks, an organisation dedicated to mapping and measuring internet connectivity globally in real-time, reports that internet service had been degraded in Zimbabwe on the eve of elections. It was reported that the quality of internet access was degraded ahead on 22...
Journalists urgent application referred to ordinary court roll
Today (Tuesday 22 August 2023), High Court of Zimbabwe Judge Justice Tawanda Chitapi referred to the ordinary court roll the urgent chamber application in which the Young Journalists Association of Zimbabwe (YOJA) was seeking an order compelling the Zimbabwe Electoral...
MEDIA PROFESSIONALISM AND ACCOUNTABILITY DURING ELECTIONS
MISA ZIMBABWE FACT SHEET Introduction Election periods throughout the world impose immense responsibility on the media to provide the public with accurate information that will enable the electorate to make informed decisions and choices when they eventually cast...
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....