Legislative framework
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Provoking public debates leading to
greater public participation in social,
As media plays an important role in societies,
political and economic deliberations and
freedom of the media is legally guaranteed in
decision making;
domestic, regional and international
conventions.
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Through responsible or irresponsible
reporting the media can make or mar an
Domestic legislation
enabling environment for investors;
In Zimbabwe, freedom of expression and
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It raises public awareness on important
freedom of the media is provided for under
issues thereby informing democratic
section 61 of the Constitution. Section 61 (2)
choices through the clarification of
states that “every person is entitled to freedom of the
complex issues;
media …”. However, the government can put
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It acts as a watchdog to protect public
restrictions on the use of media in the interests
interest against malpractice and abuse;
of defense, public safety, the economic interests
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Alerting and mobilizing public opinion to
of the state, public health, public morality,
humanitarian causes/injustices;
public order, or to protect the rights, freedoms,
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Keep politicians attuned to public opinion
and reputations of other people or the private
while offering politicians a medium to
rights of persons involved in legal proceedings.
explain policies/decisions to public
Section 61 (5) of the Constitution elaborates
opinion and build the necessary support;
freedom of expression and of the media
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Allow political pluralism to express itself
excludes-
by advertising different views/
a) incitement of violence;
ideological approaches to certain issues;
b) advocacy of hatred or hate speech;
and
c) malicious injury to a person's reputation or
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It enables citizens to hold their
dignity; or
governments and elected officials
d) malicious or unwarranted breach of a
accountable leading to better policies and
service implementation.
person's right to privacy.
2
Building National Commitment Towards a Human Rights Culture