The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Malawi Rune Skinnebach has challenged the government to increase funding to the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) for thorough implementation of the Access To Information ATI legislation.
Skinnebach made the remarks during the opening of a public debate organised by MISA Malawi in Lilongwe as part of the World Press Freedom day commemorations.
The debate was held under the theme, ‘Access to information I Malawi: progress and challenges three years after commencement of the ATL legislation’.
According to the EU Ambassador, the Malawi Human Rights Commission MHRC is pivotal in the implementation and popularisation of the law hence the need for more funds for smooth processes.
‘’Access to Information is key in ensuring that not only the media but the general population is well informed on various issues happening in the country including transparency and accountability on projects funded by taxpayers,’’ said Skinnebach.
Meanwhile, Skinnebach has challenged the media to be responsible and dig deep to bring to light all government contacts and projects to ensure that the public is well vested with expenditures.
He has also called on media owners in the country to ensure that women journalists are protected at all times, as statistics indicated that they are prone to abuse while in line of duty.
“73% of women Journalist globally continue to face various forms of abuse compared to their male colleagues hence the need for means to have their protection while on duty’’
Commenting on the implementation of the ATI legislation, Deputy director of civic and political rights Chance Kalolokesya agrees with Skinnebach on low funding levels for the smooth implementation of ATI legislation.
He observes that the dwindling levels of finance have affected the civic education side, as more people are yet to be reached with proper information on how to access information in their respective Districts.
“We have always had challenges on with funding, for instance in the 2022/2023 financial year we only got 11 Million Kwacha which was not enough as civic education involves a lot of travelling to conduct meetings in the rural areas,’’ said Kalolokesya.
Lack of information on Access To Information by the citizenly is huge as three year down the line the MHRC Mulanje and Kasungu Districts.
