By Mercy Matonga:
Stakeholders in the implementation of the Access to Information (ATI) law say many people in the country are still unaware of the law and how to utilise it.
This is according to the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), which made the remarks during a press conference held jointly with the Media Council of Malawi (MCM) and the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) ahead of Access to Information Day in Lilongwe.
MHRC Executive Secretary Habiba Osman said the lack of awareness has led to low usage of the ATI law.
- Advertisement -
“We are happy that the law exists. However, many people still believe that access to information is only meant for journalists, which is why we want to make Access to Information Day a major event,” Osman said.
- Advertisement -
She added that the government has been slow in recruiting information officers across districts.
“There is a need for each of the 28 districts to have information officers so that people can access information locally,” Osman said.
MCM Executive Director Moses Kaufa said companies benefiting from information dissemination should invest in promoting access to information.
“There are companies profiting from information distribution, and they should be engaged to contribute towards ensuring access across the country,” Kaufa said.
- Advertisement -
According to MHRC, the commemoration aims to raise awareness of the importance of universal access to information and provide a platform for dialogue among communities, the media, civil society and government on the challenges faced both online and offline, including in environmental management.
MHRC is the primary enforcer of the ATI Act, tasked with overseeing compliance and ensuring the law is properly implemented across public institutions.
This year’s commemoration in Malawi, to be held on October 10, will be under the theme ‘Empowering Communities Through Digital Literacy’.
Globally, the day will be observed under the theme ‘Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age as a Pillar of Transparency, Accountability and Sustainable Development’.
