International Day for Universal Access to Information
28 September is the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), and this year’s theme focuses on the importance of ATI laws for building strong institutions. We invited two leading experts from the IFEX network — Gilbert Sendugwa (Africa Freedom of Information Centre) and Lamin Jahateh (Gambia Press Union) — to join us for a special edition of our Africa Brief podcast, to discuss why ATI laws, and the Right to Information more broadly, are a critical underpinning for human rights worldwide.
Whether it’s on the global, regional, or national stage, IFEX members in Africa are world leaders both in pushing for strong ATI laws and in promoting the Right to Information more broadly. Indeed, today is only the 2nd IDUAI since it was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2019. This proclamation didn’t happen by accident. It was the culmination of years of advocacy, led by IFEX members in Africa and their partners.
Listen along to the podcast and check out our ATI day thread to learn more about how the right to access factual, timely and reliable information affects us all.
Featured Articles
Statement by joint press freedom mission to Malta
On the eve of the fourth anniversary of Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder, rights organisations call on Prime Minister Abela to strengthen media freedom in Malta.
Kosovo: Several journalists attacked during riots
Journalists covering riots that broke out in Mitrovica following a police anti-smuggling operation were chased, assaulted and abused by rioters; some had Molotov cocktails or explosive devices thrown at them.
Tunisia: Rights groups condemn escalating attacks on journalists
Rights groups condemn continued incitement by opposition figures for foreign intervention into the country’s affairs, and the unabated attacks on journalists.
IFEX hails Nobel Peace Prize award as underlining why press freedom is essential for democracy & human rights
As a global network committed to promoting the right to freedom of expression and working to make the link between that right and all others, IFEX is pleased to see the Nobel Committee making this same connection, particularly regarding the work of both Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov.
11 journalists killed in 9 months on African continent
The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) believes the culture of impunity is thriving because of various African governments’ silence on crimes against journalists, coupled with the lack of thorough investigations.
Greece: Media freedom groups call on Justice Ministry to withdraw draft amendment on “false news”
The proposed amendments to Article 191 of the Civil Code would introduce fines and jail sentences for journalists found guilty of publishing “false news”.
