Malawi Rights Groups Call for Stronger Access to Public Information

LILONGWE — Four leading civil society organisations have called for stronger access to reliable public information as part of efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation in Malawi.

The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), Media Council of Malawi (MCM), Gender and Justice Unit (GJU), and Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) made the call in a joint statement issued on Wednesday ahead of the 2026 Annual Media and Access to Information Conference (AMATIC).

The conference is scheduled for September 28 at the Pearl Convention Centre in Lilongwe and will also commemorate the 2026 International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).

The organisations said timely, accurate and verifiable public information is essential for good governance, meaningful public participation, informed decision-making and the protection of human rights.

While acknowledging progress made through the Access to Information Act, the groups said several challenges continue to hinder effective access to information.

These include delays in responding to information requests, weak records management systems, limited institutional capacity and low public awareness of the right to access information.

They also expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation, disinformation, manipulated content, AI-generated material and online scams, warning that gaps in credible public information can create an environment where rumours and false narratives thrive.

The organisations have therefore urged government institutions, Parliament, regulators, media houses, civil society organisations, academia, technology companies and citizens to work together to strengthen access to information and improve public information literacy.

They further called for enhanced fact-checking mechanisms, ethical journalism and responsible use of artificial intelligence while safeguarding freedom of expression, privacy, media freedom and other fundamental rights.

“The coming conference is expected to bring together public institutions, journalists, civil society, academics, technology stakeholders and citizens to address inclusive access to information and the escalating challenge of information disorder in Malawi,” the statement reads.

The conference will be held under the theme: “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder.”