Date: February 27, 2012 Person/ institution: ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly Violation/ issue: Other The 7th regional African Caribbean and Pacific-European Union (ACP-EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly has affirmed free media as a prerequisite to development and critical “in the promotion of democracy, human rights and good governance.” The regional meeting (southern Africa), held in Lusaka, Zambia from 22- 24 February 2012, discussed also issues of regional integration, mineral resources and their contribution to development, strengthening democracy and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). able media industry. The aim of the 2011 National Information and Media Policy is to facilitate the creation of a well informed and motivated citizenry which embraces democratic governance for national development; and the creation of an environment that safeguards the right of the people, including the right to know and the freedom of the media. &RPPXQLTXp Date: April 18, 2012 Person/ institution: Patriotic Front government Violation/ issue: Legislation The Patriotic Front government in Zambia has commenced the process to finalise the 2011 Draft National Information and Media policy whose purpose is to enhance the effective coordination and dissemination of public information and to facilitate the growth of a free, ethical, socially responsible and sustain- Date: April 18, 2012 Person/ institution: Patriotic Front government Violation/ issue: Legislation The government of Zambia has commenced the process to finalise the Draft National Information and Media Policy whose purpose is to enhance the effective coordination and dissemination of public information and to facilitate the growth of a free, ethical, socially responsible and sustainable media industry. The aim of the policy is to facilitate the creation of a well-informed and motivated citizenry, which embraces democratic governance for national development and the creation of an environment that safeguards the right of the people, including the right to know and the freedom of the media. Some of the objectives of the policy include to 6R7KLVLV'HPRFUDF\" &RPPXQLTXp