T hrough this programme, MISA promotes the principles of media freedom and freedom of expression at national, regional and international levels by promoting and lobbying across the region for the adoption of legal frameworks, which would allow the media to operate freely and without threat of violence or persecution. In 2013, we focused on: • promoting a culture of openness among public institutions; • strengthening and expanding the campaign for an African Platform on Access to Information (APAI) at national, regional and international levels; and • campaigning for the repeal of laws criminalising free speech. 22