Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa, says Zambia is an advocate of human rights and press freedom defender both in Africa and globally.
Mr Mweetwa said this is evident by the freedom of expression, assembly, access to information and treatment of journalists in the country.
He says the government strongly emphasises the safety of journalists in the execution of their duty.
Mr Mweetwa disclosed this today when he officially closed the 2-day World Press Freedom Day Conference held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
The 2026 (Conference) that is co-jointly organised by UNESCO in partnership with the Government of Zambia observance comes at a time when journalism, technology, civic space, and human rights are increasingly intertwined.
Mr Mweeta further called on the stakeholders including government and civil society officials to strive to provide accurate information to the journalists to enable them process the truth and balanced news.
He assured that there is free space for the media fraternity to operate, adding that no media has ever been closed and shut during the era of President Hakainde Hichilema.
“This reflects Zambia’s dedication to upholding freedom of expression and aligning its legal framework with international human rights standards,” he said.
On the World Press Freedom Day Conference, the Minister said the hosting of the event serves as a global reminder of the vital role journalism plays in upholding democracy, transparency, and human rights, while also highlighting the escalating threats to reporters, including violence, surveillance, and legal harassment.
Mr Mweetwa, said the event also spotlights journalism, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, information integrity, and the broader goal of peace‑building across societies.
He stressed that press freedom remains a cornerstone of informed citizens and how a free press can help counter misinformation, strengthen democratic institutions, and safeguard the rights of journalists.
