society, and should be formally accountable to the public through a multi-party body. This Article also has particular significance for Namibia as this study shows that most regulatory bodies are appointed and controlled by Government and lack the independence and accountability envisaged in the Declaration. Article VIII deals with the print media and the issues of registration, editorial independence and accessibility of print media to rural people and marginalized groups. It clearly states that registration requirements should not restrict free expression, and that all print media should enjoy editorial independence. Particular efforts should be made to expand print media distribution in rural areas. Article IX encourages the implementation of a public complaints system for both print and broadcasting media based on rules and codes of conduct agreed to by all stakeholders. The best system is one of effective self-regulation, but any complaints system should be independent from undue interference. Article X establishes the right of media practitioners to organize themselves in unions or associations and that there should be no undue legal restriction on the exercise of your right as a media practitioner. Article XI states that attacks on media practitioners undermine independent journalism, free expression and the free flow of information, and that States should take effective measures to prevent such attacks and, when they do occur, to respond effectively. Article XII deals with the protection of reputations and defamation and sets out a number of principles to ensure a balance between the protection of reputations and upholding the right to free of expression. Article XIII encourages States to review criminal legislation to ensure that it serves a legitimate interest and is necessary in a democratic society. Free expression should not be restricted on the grounds of public order and national security “unless there is a real risk of harm to a legitimate interest, and there is a close causal link between the risk of harm and the expression”. Article XIV places an obligation on the State to promote an enabling economic environment that allows the media to flourish, and for diversity in media ownership. It also encourages the State to refrain from using its financial pressure (such as withholding advertising) to interfere with the independence of the media. Article XV states that media practitioners shall not be required to reveal their confidential sources of information or to disclose their materials except under specific circumstances outlined in the Declaration. Article XVI obliges parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights – Namibia among them – to make every effort to put the Declaration’s principles into practice. Namibia Media Law Audit – report final draft 13