World Press Freedom Day
ZimRights Statement
Today,the Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) joins the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day under the theme “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.
As ZimRights, we salute the media and journalists for their resilience in providing information. The Constitution of Zimbabwe, enshrined in Section 61, affirms the right to freedom of expression for all, encompassing media freedom and information access. This fundamental right anchors press freedom and is vital for a thriving democracy.
Yet, the journey toward unfettered press freedom is marred by adversity. Journalists in Zimbabwe and globally are routinely confronted with intimidation, harassment, and suppression.
In recent years, particularly preceding the 2023 general elections, Zimbabwe has seen an entrenched culture of impunity and escalating harassment of media professionals. Our journalists have endured a spectrum of violations, including arrests, harassment, and physical attacks by state security forces and political party affiliates, while fulfilling their legitimate reporting duties often focused on politics, corruption, security, and justice.
Such assaults on journalists and media workers are calculated obstructions to the free exchange of information in our society. Reports of undue surveillance of journalists are troubling. Undermining the public their right to be informed about corruption, state power abuses, service delivery, and the simple truth.
Today, and every day, we express our profound gratitude to the journalists and media professionals who jeopardize their well-being and lives to keep us informed and uphold the sanctity of truth.
On this World Press Freedom Day, we urge the government and all involved parties to:
Uphold the constitutional promises of expression and media freedom.
Ensure the safety of journalists and media workers, allowing them to perform their roles unimpeded by fear of retaliation.
Promote information accessibility through policies fostering open and accountable governance.
Encourage conscientious environmental reporting that heightens awareness and spurs action to confront the environmental emergency.
ZimRights stands in solidarity with the journalists on the front lines, delivering stories of consequence.
Issued By
ZimRights Information Department
