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 information held by public, and in some cases private institutions is available and accessible to citizens.

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 recognised under Section 37 of the Malawi Constitution (PDF) and many of the Constitutions of southern African countries.

Therefore, this programme seeks to campaign for the public to enjoy their right to be informed through unrestricted access to information.

Right to Information Day

MISA Malawi commemorates September 28th as International Right to Information Day. MISA Malawi celebrates Right to Information Day to raise awareness about the importance of the right of access to information throughout the world and cast the spotlight on the challenges that hamper the enjoyment of this fundamental right.