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The Zambia Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) has commended the government through the Ministry of Information and Media for signing Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 35 of 2024 which implements the Access to Information Act (ATI).
Lorraine Chisanga, chairperson of Zambia’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, said the move was a significant development and marked an important step towards promoting transparency, accountability and good governance in the country.
Ms Chisanga added that with the coming into force of the ATI Act, citizens have the right to access vital information on matters of public interest, thereby creating an environment where informed decision-making and citizen participation are not only encouraged but implemented.
“MISA Zambia and its partners have long advocated for the development and implementation of the ATI Law as a key pillar of democracy and sustainable development,” she said.
Ms Chisanga said the implementation of the ATI law demonstrated the government’s commitment to upholding the fundamental right to information, which was essential to the realisation of other human rights and freedoms.
“For MISA Zambia, the implementation of the ATI Act will, among other benefits, ensure that government actions are subject to scrutiny, thereby reducing opportunities for corruption and mismanagement of public resources, allowing citizens to meaningfully participate in the governance process, and holding government officials accountable,” she said.
Ms Chisanga noted that the ATI Act will also strengthen investigative journalism and the free flow of information by providing journalists and media practitioners with a legal framework to seek and disseminate information.
“Furthermore, MISA Zambia calls on civil society organisations (CSOs), media practitioners as well as the general public to actively participate in the information access process to ensure that this law achieves its intended purpose,” she urged.
Ms Chisanga assured that MISA Zambia Chapter will remain committed to working with government, civil society organisations and all stakeholders to promote and protect media freedom and the right to information.
“We believe that the implementation of the ATI Act will pave the way for a more transparent and democratic Zambia,” she said.
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