By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
Freedom of Expression calls for an open yet responsible information sharing regime, guaranteed by law, and is an essential characteristic of a people- centred democracy and development, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, Mr. Edward Kallon said.
In his remarks at the two-day UN Regional Workshop to Upscale UN-wide Understanding of the Rights to Freedom of Expression, Access to Information and Safety of Journalists in Sub Saharan Africa, Thursday, Mr Kallon said the responsible two-way flow of information helps citizens to articulate and exercise their rights and to make informed political and economic choices, and for a state to dialogue, receive feedback and provide a response.
“When practiced in this way, it is a win-win. And it is good to note that the senior Government officials including Presidents that we work with are on social media marketing their policies and political postures, and actively sharing their perspectives in local and international media in a form opinion editorial, press releases, reportages and paid advertisement including on outdoor media such as billboards,” he said.
“By equal measure citizens and various media as platforms that bring together stakeholders should have unfettered freedom within agreed-to self-regulated engagement or bounds of a legislative/an ACT to express their ideas, perspectives, and aspirations.”
“Colleagues, have we ever asked what happens to a society without freedom of expression or information? Citizens are unable to participate in the broader governance of their communities and country.
“There is no check on the wielding of excessive powers, or on the levels of efficiency and effectiveness of development, social and economic policies, and programmes.
“Institutions of the State and of civil society do not course correct as they have no mirror on what is going right and what is not. Information as the ‘oxygen of democracy’ is not only essential for citizens in a democracy but is also an essential part of good government.”
Mr Kallon said a body of compelling empirical studies attests that Freedom of Expression and or Freedom of Information, when instituted as an Act of legislation, also advances equity and access to basic social services and protection.
“The lives of the poor, and particularly women and girls in poor households, can be transformed by ensuring their access to information that protects their rights, ensures redress when wronged, and opens doors to development resources such as land, markets, and credit. Abusers are put on notice, those who suffer from violence now know how to report and how to seek redress.
“However, having the information alone is not enough. The right information at the right time can help re-balance much in society that is unjust or unequal,” he said.
He said the media must work towards ensuring their respective host countries adherence to the spirit and letter of freedom of expression including adopting the UDHR in their national laws.
“Freedom of Expression or Information Act means little if it cannot be implemented. This requires supporting countries to developing an information disclosure policy and being able to manage the findings, it means accessibility and reliability of data, it requires a quick turn-around time in response and hence business and management efficiencies, it means staff who are well on trained in information management systems and analysis, it means a full commitment to a more open system of public relations and engagement,” he said.
The UN Secretary General expressed His concern that Freedom of expression was in freefall and the number of media workers killed around the world last year rose by a horrific 50 percent.
In July 2023 the United Nations will launch a new Agenda for Protection. The initiative will seek to strengthen support from across the United Nations system to Member States to protect people and their rights, both in times of peace and in times of crisis and conflict.
Mr Kallon said without Journalists, it was not easy to achieve SDG Target 16.10 which ensures public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
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