Shaping a Future at Peace : Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security
Introduction
On the 3rd May 1991 a seminar of journalists organised by UNESCO in Windhoek, Namibia, adopted the Windhoek Declaration on Promoting Independent and Pluralistic Media [link]. The first article of the Declaration stated boldly:
“… the establishment, maintenance and fostering of an independent, pluralistic and free press is essential to the development and maintenance of democracy in a nation, and for economic development.”
In 1993, the General Assembly of the United Nations resolved that the adoption of the Windhoek Declaration should be commemorated annually as World Press Freedom Day.
The theme of this year’s commemoration is:
“Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security”
UNESCO will be hosting a global conference in Lusaka on Monday and Tuesday next week to discuss this theme, analysing the interdependence between journalism, technological development and human rights, and considering modern problems such as cyber surveillance, misinformation and polarisation. Anyone wishing to follow the conference virtually can find details at this link:
World Press Freedom Day 2026 Conference (4-5 May 2026): Overview · Indico.UN
Importance of Press Freedom
Press or media freedom is an aspect of freedom of expression, protected internationally by such instruments as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights [link] , the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights [link] and the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa [link].
Press freedom is important to democracy because a free and independent press:
· monitors the conduct of politicians, investigating corruption and abuse of power
· provides differing views and perspectives, preventing a monopoly of news and opinions, and
· protects human rights by providing the public with information they need to vote responsibly and exercise their other rights of citizenship.
A free and independent press is therefore essential for democracy to thrive.
Press Freedom in Zimbabwe
Section 61 of the Constitution enshrines both freedom of expression and freedom of the media. It goes beyond the bare affirmation of those freedoms, stating that:
· broadcasting and other electronic media of communication may be licensed, but the licensing procedures must be independent of government control (section 61(3)(b)) and
· State-owned media of communication must be impartial and must fairly present divergent views and dissenting opinions.
· The reality is very different. Journalists continue to face harassment, intimidation and restrictions on access to sources of information. Several have been arrested for allegedly committing vaguely-defined crimes such as publishing false news and insulting the President. During recent public hearings on the Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill, several journalists were denied access to the hearings or subjected to harassment, a troubling reminder of the fragile state of press freedom in the country. The treatment of journalists not only violated constitutional guarantees of access to information but also sent a chilling message about the shrinking space for independent reporting.
Here as elsewhere, the rise of AI-driven misinformation, cyber surveillance and online polarisation pose new threats to press freedom. Most forms of electronic communication in Zimbabwe are subject to government control through the far-reaching Cyber and Data Protection Act. Digital censorship and surveillance of journalists erode trust and silence critical voices.
Our Call to Action
Veritas urges:
· The Government to uphold constitutional guarantees of press freedom, end harassment of journalists, and ensure civil servants respect media independence.
· Civil society and citizens to defend journalism as a public good, vital for peace and human rights.
· International partners to support Zimbabwean media in navigating digital transformation and financial sustainability.
Press freedom is not a privilege: it is a right. It is the foundation upon which democracy, peace, development and security are built. On this World Press Freedom Day, we recommit to defending the voices that shape truth, justice, and democracy in Zimbabwe.
