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Zimbabwe sees 33% drop in media freedom violations, MISA reports
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The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe has reported a significant reduction in media freedom violations in Zimbabwe, with recorded incidents dropping from 24 in 2022 to 16 in 2023 - a 33.3% decrease. This development aligns with Zimbabwe's improvement in the World Press Freedom Index, where the country rose 10 places, from 126th in 2023 to 116th in 2024.
Marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, celebrated under the theme Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies, MISA Zimbabwe chairperson Passmore Kuzipa welcomed the positive trend but highlighted ongoing concerns. "Encouragingly, as the year ends, MISA Zimbabwe has recorded seven incidents of media freedom violations to date, compared to the 14 recorded by this time last year," said Kuzipa.
Kuzipa pointed out that impunity for attacks on journalists perpetuates a dangerous cycle of violence, as it obstructs public access to information and undermines fundamental freedoms. "Impunity damages societies by covering up severe human rights abuses, corruption, and crime," he added.
MISA also voiced concerns about the specific challenges faced by female journalists, who are increasingly targeted with gender-specific violence, ranging from online harassment to physical attacks. "Female journalists face increasing attacks—verbal, physical, offline, and online—of a gender-specific nature, such as sexist hate speech, trolling, and even physical violence, including sexual assault," said Kuzipa.
In response, MISA Zimbabwe is advocating for the implementation of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights Resolution 522, which aims to protect women from digital violence. The resolution encourages member states to implement gender-sensitive media literacy and digital security training and to foster collaboration between law enforcement and digital platforms to identify and address online harassment effectively.
Kuzipa urged the Zimbabwean government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize journalists' safety and investigate all cases of assault against them. "The police should investigate cases involving the assault of journalists while conducting their lawful professional duties and bring the culprits to book. This will go a long way in ending impunity for crimes against journalists," he emphasized.
The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) echoed MISA's sentiments, expressing its commitment to ensuring journalist safety. "In a world where journalism often faces peril, it is crucial to highlight the role of press freedom in promoting democratic values and accountability," stated the ZMC, underscoring the importance of protecting journalists, especially in crisis situations.
The statements from MISA and ZMC highlight a collective call to address violence against journalists and reinforce press freedom as a foundation of Zimbabwe's democratic values.
Marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, celebrated under the theme Safety of Journalists in Crises and Emergencies, MISA Zimbabwe chairperson Passmore Kuzipa welcomed the positive trend but highlighted ongoing concerns. "Encouragingly, as the year ends, MISA Zimbabwe has recorded seven incidents of media freedom violations to date, compared to the 14 recorded by this time last year," said Kuzipa.
Kuzipa pointed out that impunity for attacks on journalists perpetuates a dangerous cycle of violence, as it obstructs public access to information and undermines fundamental freedoms. "Impunity damages societies by covering up severe human rights abuses, corruption, and crime," he added.
MISA also voiced concerns about the specific challenges faced by female journalists, who are increasingly targeted with gender-specific violence, ranging from online harassment to physical attacks. "Female journalists face increasing attacks—verbal, physical, offline, and online—of a gender-specific nature, such as sexist hate speech, trolling, and even physical violence, including sexual assault," said Kuzipa.
Kuzipa urged the Zimbabwean government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize journalists' safety and investigate all cases of assault against them. "The police should investigate cases involving the assault of journalists while conducting their lawful professional duties and bring the culprits to book. This will go a long way in ending impunity for crimes against journalists," he emphasized.
The Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) echoed MISA's sentiments, expressing its commitment to ensuring journalist safety. "In a world where journalism often faces peril, it is crucial to highlight the role of press freedom in promoting democratic values and accountability," stated the ZMC, underscoring the importance of protecting journalists, especially in crisis situations.
The statements from MISA and ZMC highlight a collective call to address violence against journalists and reinforce press freedom as a foundation of Zimbabwe's democratic values.
Source - newsday
