GOVT TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC TENETS -KASANDA
By Mary Kachepa
Minister of Information and Media CHUSHI KASANDA says government is committed to ensure democratic principles are enhanced by having a free media.
Ms. KASANDA says the media plays a critical role in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld and enhancing democratic principles.
She further says the media is critical to ensure that the voice of the people is heard through skilled and well researched reporting.
Ms KASANDA was speaking at the capacity building training workshop for Journalists on effective reporting on Human Rights issues organised by the Continental Leadership Research Institute with support from the American Embassy in Zambia in Lusaka today.
The minister said she is pleased that the initiative aims at strethening the voice of rural communities through Civic Education programmes and building the capacity of media personnel to effectively report on human rights activities.
Ms KASANDA further said the initiative will go a long way in highlighting human rights violations which include early and forced marriages, harmful traditional practices and gender based violence in rural communities.
She urged the media to place high premium on reporting human rights issues adding that the only way to effectively contribute is by ensuring factual, objective and balanced reporting.
Ms KASANDA said government believes that citizen’s enjoyment of human rights cannot be complete without access to clean drinking water, education, health,food and other social amenities.
She said this is why government has embarked on a wide range of measures to revamp the country’s economy although some measures may be discomforting to the people at the moment but they are well intended.
Meanwhile, Media Institute of Southern Africa -MISA- Zambia National Director AUSTIN KAYANDA said they are pleased that government has promised to deliver the freedom to information Bill the first half of 2022.
And, Continental Leadership Research Institute Executive Director MUNDIA HAKOOLA said rural communities will also be engaged to interact with the media on their rights.
Speaking at the Same event,United States Embassy Deputy Public Relations Officer JULIE MELLIN praised the new dawn administration’s commitment to promoting freedom of information and freedom of the press, adding that steps are already being taken to actuali
e that commitment.
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