The Guest of Honour, Minister of Media and Information, Hon Chushi Kasanda MP,
Senior Government officials, both foreign and those from the host country
The UN Resident Coordinator in Zambia, Mrs Beatrice Mutali
The UNESCO Country Director for Southern Africa, Prof. Lidia Brito
The African Union Representative, …
Heads of media institutions
Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,
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I am pleased and honoured to take the floor on behalf of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Zambia and COMESA.
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Each year, on World Press Freedom Day, we highlight the progress and the challenges that we see in the work environment for journalists across the Globe. This is also what this Second Africa Media Convention has been all about: "Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”. Let me therefore thank the organizers – the Media Liaison Committee, the Southern African Editors Forum and UNESCO – for bringing us all together here in Lusaka. This is no small achievement!
Your Excellency President Hichilema, Ladies and Gentlemen
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Anchored in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 75 years ago, the freedom of expression, the freedom of the media, a safe working environment for journalists remain indeed crucial for all other human rights.
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The preservation of free, independent and pluralistic media is vital for a resilient and healthy democracy. Yet press freedom is still at stake in most parts of the world today. Journalists and other media workers increasingly face threats and attacks from the enemies of truth and freedom.
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According to the latest World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters without Borders, the environment for journalism is said to be “very serious” in 31 countries, “difficult” in 42, “problematic” in 55, and “good” or “satisfactory” in only 52 countries. According to this Index, Africa has seen “a few significant improvements, but journalism overall has become more difficult on this continent”.
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Women journalists are particularly vulnerable to threats and increasing attacks, both offline and online. They are exposed to stigmatization, sexist hate speech, trolling, sexual and gender-based violence and even murder. Three quarters of female journalists say that they have experienced threats, abuse and harassment in the course of their work.
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
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I am very pleased to see that this Second African Media Convention is taking place in Lusaka. I believe that this is a token of recognition for the great efforts that the Government under H.E. President Hichilema has made to restore press freedom and the freedom of expression in Zambia. It also testifies to the revival of a country that, after some difficult years, can again pride itself of a pluralistic and fairly independent media landscape. Nonetheless, we note that MISA Zambia, in its 2022 report, qualifies the situation in this country only as (I quote) “moderate”.
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It is therefore important to improve further the legislative framework, especially to enact the Access to Information Bill. In addition, the media self-regulation, which I think is the best way forward, needs a clear legal framework. During this conference, you have no doubt spoken about other challenges and best practices, including economic conditions, new technologies and training for journalists.
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The European Union Delegation has done its share to help improve the situation in Zambia. For example, in the run-up to the presidential and general elections in August 2021, we financially supported the “Voters’ Voice” project. Run by BBC Media Action and by MISA, this project helped build capacity of Zambian media for non-partisan, truthful, accurate and balanced reporting during the electoral period.
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Before concluding, let me say a few words about Artificial Intelligence. This unprecedented new technology will influence enormously our societies, our way of living and working. It will greatly affect the work of journalists, among others. It will also change the way how the public perceives information, texts and images. Like each new technology, it will require an intensive debate among stakeholders about inherent risks, challenges and opportunities.
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Today, we are only at the very beginning of a great leap in Artificial Intelligence. The debate has only started about what will be its consequences for jobs, for quality journalism, for the veracity of information and so on. I believe it is crucial that Africa’s voice, that your voice in this global debate is heard.
Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
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Defending and promoting press freedom is a universal mission that knows no borders. The European Union will remain committed to engage with governments, the media and civil society, both in international fora as well as at the local level, to take initiative and strengthen press freedom around the world.
Thank you very much.
