MISA Regional Annual Report 2023 • • • infringe on freedom of assembly and freedom of expression in countries such as Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Adopt a human-rights based approach in the deployment of surveillance and Artificial Intelligence. Adopt legislation that combats all forms of digital violence and expanding the definition of gender-based violence to include digital violence against women, including cyber-harassment, cyberstalking and sexist hate speech, among other ICT-related violations. Repeal vague and overly broad laws on surveillance as they contribute to the existing vulnerability of female journalists. In the second presentation during the 77th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR in October 2023, MISA reiterated the issue of democratic backsliding and shrinking civil spaces. It called on the ACHPR and Southern African governments to deal with impunity for crimes against journalists. In one of the recommendations, MISA called on governments to be transparent in how surveillance is used, and this should always be with judicial oversight. Following the presentation, the ACHPR issued a communique reminding African nations that Principle 41 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa states that countries should only engage in targeted surveillance in conformity with international human rights law. Notable achievements Paris Charter on AI and Journalism MISA Regional Director Dr Tabani Moyo 14 was appointed to a committee to develop the Paris Charter on AI and Journalism, which defines ethics and principles that journalists, newsrooms and media outlets worldwide can appropriate and apply in their work with artificial intelligence. The Paris Charter was created by a commission initiated by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and chaired by journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Ressa. Digital rights award MISA Regional Director Dr Tabani Moyo was listed as one of the 10 changemakers of the past decade on digital rights in Africa. The honour was bestowed by Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA). This was in recognition of MISA’s work in pushing back against restrictive and repressive laws, supporting journalists under threat, empowering young Africans, and shaping internet governance policies. 10th High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security MISA participated in the 10th high-level seminar on peace and security in Africa, which was held in Oran, Nigeria, on 17 and 18 December 2023. The meeting prepared three African countries that are members of the United Nations Security Council on how to address peace and security issues on the continent. Chairing the Global Network on Expression On 19 July 2023, Dr Tabani Moyo, MISA Regional Director was elected Convenor/ Chair of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX) the global www.misa.org