MISA Malawi and Malawi Law Society (MLS) have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will see the two organisations cooperating in the protection and promotion of media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information in Malawi.
MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga and MLS Vice President Tusume Mwabungulu signed the MoU in Blantyre.
Specifically, MLS will be providing legal advice and services on the said rights and freedoms on a pro-bono basis, and full support where resources for such cases have been secured by MISA Malawi or MLS.
The two sides will also be developing joint programmes and activities aimed at enhancing capacity building for their members.
MISA Malawi and MLS will also be exchanging information and expertise in matters of mutual interest.
During the signing ceremony, Mwabungulu stated that the media is a key pillar of any democracy and that it was important to safeguard media freedom to ensure an informed nation.
Matonga said the MoU will help in addressing legal advice, services and capacity challenges among MISA Malawi members and other deserving members of the general public.
MISA Malawi is a membership-based organisation that defends and promotes media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information.
Malawi Law Society is a regulatory and umbrella body of all lawyers in Malawi and engages in law-related public interest interventions, among others.
In its monitoring, MISA Malawi continues to register cases of violations on media freedom, freedom of expression and right to information.
Recorded cases of violations include physical and verbal attacks on journalists, arbitrary arrests of journalists and arrests of some members of the general public for free expression, more especially online. MISA Malawi-MLS agreement is expected to address such challenges through legal representation and advice.
