Motion on information as a public good Universal Periodic Rev iew (UPR) Submissions In June 2021, the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Sipho Mokone, moved a motion imploring parliament to enact legislation that enhances media freedom and encourages the media to conduct their activities without fear or favour. MISA Zimbabwe made submissions to the Third Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on Zimbabwe, where it noted improvements in the legislative environment, but decried the pullback provisions in proposed new laws that have the effect of infringing on freedom of expression, such as the then Cybersecurity and Data Protection Bill. These sentiments were shared across the political divide as the motion on information as a public good, moved on 15 June 2021, was supported by other legislators who urged the government to observe the provisions of the Windhoek Declaration which calls for media freedom. Reduction in v iolations Engagement meetings were held with key stakeholders that included provincial police commanders during the period under review. These engagements contributed to the marked reduction in the number of media freedom violations recorded during the period under review, from 52 in 2020 to 22 in 2021. Access to information MISA Zimbabwe versus Minister of Health and Child Care and Another HC45/2021 – Access to COVID-19 related information case. This case was an urgent application which related to the exercise of the right to access COVID-19 related information during an intense lockdown in January 2021. The matter was filed on 15 January 2021 and it was heard on an urgent basis. High Court Judge, Justice Mary Dube, ruled in favour of MISA Zimbabwe. In compliance with this High Court order, the Ministries of Health and Information managed, to a larger extent, to comply with the order. The government, through these responsible Ministries, managed to provide extensive daily updates on the progression of COVID-19 in Zimbabwe. MISA Regional Director Tabani Moyo giving a presentation at the Africa Forum in Namibia ahead of the 2021 World Press Freedom Day Commemorations. Regional/International footprints MISA Zimbabwe National Director ,Tabani Moyo was elected into the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) Steering Committee (the board), at its elective Annual General Meeting held in Tirana, Albania, on 30 September 2021. Moyo, who is also the MISA Regional Director, was elected with 17 other board members for a four-year term from 2021 to 2025. GFMD is an international network of about 200 journalism support and media development organisations, working in more than 70 countries. It is based in Brussels, Belgium. Digital trainer Christopher Musodza speaking on the History of Artificial Intelligence during a MISA Regional organised meeting. MISA Regional 2021 Annual 2021 Report 17