FOX REPORT LAUNCHED TO STRENGTHEN MEDIA FREEDOM AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS

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Posted by admin on April 9, 2026 at 5:08 AM

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The Freedom of Expression (FOX) Report, produced by MISA Zambia, has been launched in Lusaka, with government reaffirming its commitment to promoting media freedom, freedom of expression, and digital rights as Zambia prepares for the 2026 General Elections.

The launch was officiated by Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana, represented by Director for Press and Media Morden Mayembe.

The FOX Report serves as a critical tool for assessing media freedom, freedom of expression, and digital rights in Zambia. It highlights that the country’s legal framework does not provide a statutory definition for journalists nor accord them special legal status distinct from ordinary citizens. As a result, journalists operate under the same legal regime as the general public, subject to laws on privacy, defamation, and access to information under statutes such as the Access to Information Act.

While international human rights instruments recognize protections for journalists, the report notes that these remain largely aspirational in Zambia, as national statutes have not fully domesticated such standards into enforceable legislation.

The report calls for sustained dialogue and cooperation among government, media practitioners, civil society, and other stakeholders to integrate international press freedom standards into Zambian law.

Mr. Mayembe underscored government’s commitment to advancing media rights, acknowledging the media’s vital role in fostering democratic governance and national development. He positioned the FOX Report as a pivotal instrument in enhancing transparency in the electoral process and strengthening democratic accountability.