September 1, 2020 In totality, this research affirms that freedom of expression, access to information and critical, independent journalism - supported by open and affordable internet access - are not only fundamental human rights, but should be treasured as essential tools in the arsenal to combat disinformation - whether connected to a pandemic, elections, climate change or social issues. Disinformation can cause harm in confusing or manipulating citizens; creating distrust in international norms, institutions, or democratically agreed strategies; disrupting elections; or painting a false picture about key challenges such as climate change. It can also be deadly, as the COVID-19 disinfodemic has illustrated (
of a UNESCO/ICFJ research published on 10 December show that 73% of women journalists who responded to the survey [1] reported having experienced online violence in the course of their work. Twenty-five percent had received threats of physical violence, while 18% of them had been threatened with sexual violence. The problem is not confined to the internet sphere, as 20% of women reported being attacked offline in connection with online violence they had experienced.
The findings were discussed during a session entitled ‘Online violence: The New Front Line for Women Journalists – #JournalistsToo’, hosted by UNESCO and the ICFJ at the World Press Freedom Conference. The session featured award-winning journalists Rana Ayyub, Carole Cadwalladr, Ferial Haffajee, and Julie Posetti, ICFJ’s Global Director of Research.
Key Challenges in the Region #IDUAI
Key Strenghts in the Region #IDUAI
OSISA’s investments into promoting Access to Information across southern Africa. #IDUAI
The struggle for the right to access to information in the region has been long and tedious. This, despite the fact that regional and international instruments, including Goal 16.10 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to which many countries are state party, recognise the centrality of this right as a catalyst for human development.
The Carter Centre aptly sums up why the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has, since 2016, set aside September 28 as a universal day to annually commemorate the right to information. The Carter Centre contends: “Allowing people to seek and receive public documents serves as a critical tool for fighting corruption, enabling citizens to fully participate in public life, making governments more efficient, encouraging investment, and helping persons