Journalists march carrying placards during the 2022 World Press Freedom Day commemora�ons in Zambia PIC CREDIT: Thomas Zulu function as an enabler for other human rights has been further explored by relevant United Nations treaty bodies and committees in charge of international instruments, who published their interpretation of provisions in the form of general comments or recommendations. Thus, the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day gives us an opportunity to once again emphasise the role and importance of free media in the enjoyment of other rights. Now is the perfect time to address the future of human rights and shape how the challenges to freedom of expression will be met in the digital ecosystem and rapidly evolving information environment.(1) Furthermore, this year, and going into the future, the media faces new challenges that were unthinkable in the past such as surveillance, online bullying, particularly targeting female journalists, and the rise of information disorders. This is compounded by the traditional threats that the media always has to contend with. In light of the above, it is important that we all put our heads together to solve the problems that media workers face in Southern Africa. At the topmost of the agenda will be promoting journalists’ safety and ensuring an enabling environment for them to work in. Key to that will be the ending of the issue of impunity. The 4Ps on the safety of journalists — Prevention, Protection, Prosecution and Partnership — are key to ending impunity. When journalists are able to operate in an enabling environment, they can shine the light in dark corners, hold those with authority accountable and transparent as well as enhancing citizens’ participation through access to information. Therefore, if the region is to shape a future of entrenched rights, there is need to realise the importance of freedom of expression as the driver of all other human rights. References SHAPING A FUTURE OF RIGHTS: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AS THE DRIVER OF ALL OTHER HUMAN RIGHTS (1) World Press Freedom Day https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000384177 5