Robust legal standards, frameworks and instruments

The rights to freedom of expression, freedom of information and media freedom allow people to actively take part in and contribute to social, cultural and political life in their societies. Without these rights,  people will find it difficult to:

• access the credible and independent news and information services they need to make sense of the development in their social, political, cultural and economic contexts which influence and shape their lives
• speak their minds freely and debate social, political, cultural and economic issues
• participate in deciding on issues that affect them
• make informed choices to better their own circumstances
• hold power to account

For this to happen, state and non-state actors equally need to rely on robust and rights-respecting legal frameworks which conform the international law and standards from Africa and beyond.

We therefore support initiatives which contribute towards creating a strong foundation on which the enjoyment of these rights can rest. We are interested in initiatives which:

• build vibrant and sustainable communities of interest which champion the protection and promotion of freedom of information, expression and the media
• facilitate the development and adoption of well-defined rules and principles for the enjoyment of these rights and freedoms which conform with African and global international law standards
• defend against the breach of these rights and freedoms while promoting respect for the rule of law