Tag: International Day for Universal Access to Information

  • Your right to know: Why journalism and access to information matter more than ever

    Your right to know: Why journalism and access to information matter more than ever

    Independent journalism and access to public information are mutually reinforcing: societies cannot remain informed or resilient if either is undermined, write David Walmsley and Tawfik Jelassi, who stress that defending the right to know is not optional.

    Today is both World News Day and the International Day for Universal Access to Information – a good time to remember that if we lose our fundamental universal right to access to information, and if independent journalists lose the ability to report the facts, then our rights and democracies may vanish entirely.

    Access to information is a fundamental human right empowering us all to make informed decisions, to participate in democratic processes, and hold our leaders accountable. It’s also critical for survival in a host of situations.

    In a natural disaster, timely updates about evacuation routes, shelter locations, and weather conditions can mean the difference between life and death.

    In public health emergencies – as we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic – accurate information about symptoms, prevention methods, and treatment options helps people protect themselves and others.

    And in conflict zones, knowing which areas are safe and how to access humanitarian aid is vital.

    Today, 139 countries have access to information (ATI) legal frameworks and 90 per cent of the world’s population lives in a country where this right is enshrined.

    Just 30 years ago, fewer than 20 countries were in this club.

    UNESCO data shows that in 2022, 3.5 million public information requests were processed; in 2024, that number had risen to 6.7 million – a clear sign that people want transparency.

    The global number of information requests is also increasing with the advent of digital solutions, which facilitate their processing.

    But major gaps remain in some regions of the world: In Africa, data gathered in 2024 by the Africa Freedom of Information Centre, showed that 29 out of the 55 countries in the region have ATI laws, but implementation is often patchy.

    UNESCO helped to set up the African Network of Information Commissioners (ANIC) which enables oversight bodies across the continent to communicate regularly on the most effective ways to implement and enforce ATI laws, and helps to raise the profile of the access to information in human rights for a on the continent.

    Access to public information is an important resource for journalists, just as journalists are essential vectors for enabling citizens to access information. Journalism has always been a key bridge between governments and the people. 

    When officials stay silent, journalists investigate. They verify information, and tell the public what’s really going on. Journalism isn’t just a job: it’s a public service. 

    Behind every important news story is someone asking hard questions. Journalists make regular use of access to information laws to conduct their research and break stories that lead to meaningful change.

    But this crucial democratic check is increasingly under threat. Journalists face violence, censorship, and online harassment.

    In 2024, 70% of journalists around the world who responded to a UNESCO survey said they had experienced attacks ranging from online harassment, to legal threats and actual violence when reporting on environmental issues. 

    Independent newsrooms are being squeezed financially. Disinformation clogs our feeds, often spreading faster than facts. The fog of lies grows thicker, while trust in truth fades.

    This is what we see, for example, in issues related to climate disruption.

    This led the International Court of Justice and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to both recognise that access to environmental information was essential for addressing this critical issue. Because you can’t protect what you can’t see or understand. 

    So what can we do?

    We can urge our governments to support quality journalism by supporting independent media and fully enforce access to information laws. And we can call out disinformation as soon as we spot it, and push politicians, social media platforms, and AI companies to be more accountable.

    Access to information is not a threat, but an opportunity for our societies. Today, and every day, let‘s all defend our right to know. 

    By David Walmsley, President of WAN-IFRA’s World Editors Forum, and Dr Tawfik Jelassi, UNESCO Assistant Director General for Communication and Information

    This article was commissioned to mark World News Day and the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

  • Shutting down the internet shuts down your Right To Know

    Shutting down the internet shuts down your Right To Know

    Winnie Kamau calls out the alarming global trend of governments shutting down the internet in times of political crisis, with 294 such shutdowns in 54 countries in 2024 – including 15 in Africa.

    On 28 September, the world marks both World News Day and the International Day for Universal Access to Information. For many African countries, these days have always been marked with a realm of hope but in the recent past, it is a reminder of a worrying trend. 

    When events become politically sensitive or socially tense, governments sometimes respond by shutting down the internet or silencing broadcasters, cutting off the audience; this action severs access to credible news precisely when the public’s need for it is greatest.

    Misinformation and disinformation are rampant on social media platforms such as TikTok Live, which have become an alternative source of truth for many.

    In Kenya on 25th June 2025, the Communications Authority (CA) ordered all media stations to cease live coverage of Gen Z-led protests, warning that non-compliance could result in their broadcast signals being switched off.

    Reports and widely circulated social media images showed CA staff deactivating free-to-air signals and taking NTV and KTN transmission stations off-air.

    This move silenced real-time reporting and public discussion during a critical moment in the nation’s democratic engagement. 

    Similarly, in Malawi, internet blackouts during protests have restricted information flow, limiting citizens’ access to trusted sources and journalists’ ability to report freely.

    These shutdowns not only block access to facts but also create fertile ground for misinformation and rumours to spread, as people turn to unreliable sources in the absence of verified news.

    The fundamental right to know, often referred to as the right to information or freedom of information, is a cornerstone of democratic societies and a universal human right.

    It empowers individuals to access information held by public bodies, fostering transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance.

    However, the reality in Africa starkly contrasts with global norms.

    Only 55% of Africa’s population lives in countries with access to information laws, according to an Afrobarometer report.

    This contrasts sharply with a global average of 91%, revealing a significant gap in legal protections for the public’s right to know. Eye on Global Transparency (EGT) notes that just 29 out of 55 nations on the African continent, including MENA countries, have such laws in place.

    This imbalance has profound implications. Where such laws are absent or inadequately enforced, citizens are often denied the ability to scrutinise government actions, understand policy decisions, and hold their leaders accountable.

    This lack of transparency can breed corruption, hinder good governance, and stifle the development of robust civil societies. It also restricts the ability of journalists, researchers, and civil society organisations to conduct their work effectively, limiting their capacity to inform the public and advocate for change.

    The struggle for universal access to information in Africa transcends a mere legal battle; it is a pivotal fight for the very essence of democratic principles, the protection of fundamental human rights, and the acceleration of the continent’s socio-economic progress.

    In an increasingly interconnected world, where information is power and a catalyst for development, restricting or denying access to the internet and other communication channels has far-reaching consequences that undermine these foundational pillars.

    Advocating for universal access to information in Africa is a comprehensive endeavour that addresses legal frameworks, safeguards human liberties, and propels economic and social advancement.

    It is about empowering individuals, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that the continent can fully realise its potential in the 21st century.

    Internet and media shutdowns silence both citizens and journalists. Without connectivity or access to broadcasters, reporters cannot verify facts, share updates, or reach audiences. 

    Ordinary people cannot access trusted sources or share what they witness.

    Shutdowns fuel misinformation. When official channels go dark, rumours and false information thrive, causing confusion, fear, and sometimes violence.

    The shutdown playbook is spreading. From blocking social media platforms to cutting mobile data entirely and silencing broadcasters, these tactics are often justified as “security measures.”

    But they are frequently used to hide election irregularities, police violence, or political unrest.

    A new report from Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition, Emboldened offenders, endangered communities: internet shutdowns in 2024, reveals a record 296 internet shutdowns across 54 countries in 2024.

    Notably, Africa experienced its highest number of shutdowns ever recorded in a single year, with 21 incidents impacting 15 countries.

    In moments of profound upheaval, the role of journalism transcends mere reporting; it becomes an indispensable lifeline, connecting communities to vital information and holding power accountable. 

    When governments resort to the drastic measure of blocking communication channels, they not only silence dissent but also sever this crucial link, plunging citizens into a vacuum of uncertainty and misinformation.

    Yet, even in the face of such oppressive tactics, courageous journalists, driven by an unwavering commitment to truth, find alternative avenues to report and ensure that communities remain connected to reliable information.

    To effectively push back against these alarming trends of internet shutdowns and communication blockades, a united front is essential.

    International bodies, with their diplomatic leverage and human rights mandates, must work in concert with media organisations, who understand the intricate dynamics of information dissemination, and technology companies, the custodians of the very infrastructure being manipulated.

    Together, we can exert significant pressure on governments to cease these disruptive practices and ensure that people remain connected to trustworthy news sources.

    Because when the internet goes dark, or broadcasters are silenced, the space for accountability shrinks, allowing misinformation to flourish unchecked and leaving populations vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation.

    The free flow of information is not a luxury; it is a necessity for a just and equitable world.

    By Winnie Kamau, Kenyan based editor and data journalist. 

    This article was commissioned to mark World News Day, a worldwide campaign highlighting the essential role of journalism in providing facts and clarity.