Access to information
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.
Access to information news
DW Akademie Innovation Initiative 2023 for Southern Africa: Focus on AI and data
DW Akademie is looking to support innovative ideas for newsroom. The innovation initiative starts with an IdeaLab in Namibia in September 2023 with innovative newsroom projects from Southern Africa, followed by a practical implementation of the ideas in late 2023. The...
Regional governments commit to more openness as MISA launches press freedom report
MISA Regional launched the third State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa Report on 11 May 2023 in Lusaka, Zambia, where government officials from four regional countries agreed to closely co-operate with civil society organisations in improving freedom of expression...
The State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa Report 2022 ( Now Available)
FOREWORD SHAPING A FUTURE OF RIGHTS: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AS THE DRIVER OF ALL OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS THE past few years have proven to be tough where it concerns the exercise and enjoyment of media freedom and freedom of expression in the Southern African region. The...
Statement to the ACHPR on the right to freedom of expression in Southern Africa
Chairperson, Honourable Commissioners, State delegates, ladies and gentlemen, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) is honoured to present this statement during the 75th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). As we celebrate...
Southern Africa improves on media rankings but more needs to be done
Southern African countries recorded improved rankings according to the Reporters Without Borders 2023 World Press Freedom Index, but the spectre of shrinking civic space continues to haunt the region. Botswana halted the slide it recorded in 2022, improving from a...