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
INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS (Statement)
Presentation by MISA Regional Director, Dr Tabani Moyo, at the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commission Panel Discussion on Legal Threats to Safety of Journalists in commemoration of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists....
Reduction in crimes against journalists should spur Zimbabwe to adopt UN Plan of Action
The drastic reduction in media freedom violations during Zimbabwe’s 2023 election cycle is a significant development which comes at a time when the world commemorates the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) on 2 November 2023. This...
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. 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 PEOPLES’ RIGHTS ON THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA AT THE 77th ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS.
Presented by Dr Tabani Moyo (MISA Regional Director) An age of democratic backsliding Chairperson, Honourable Commissioners, state delegates, ladies and gentlemen, the Media Institute of Southern Africa MISA presents this statement during the 77th Session of the...
MISA Zimbabwe Way Forward Post-2023 Zimbabwe Elections
Introduction Zimbabwe’s harmonised elections held in August 2023 were conducted in a drastically improved media operating environment regarding journalists' and media workers’ safety and security. This is evidenced by the massive reduction in media freedom violations,...