ANALYSIS OF COVID-19 REGULATIONS VIS-À-VIS FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN THE SADC REGION

and dissemination of information which is
very important when faced with a crisis such
as COVID-19.

states should create an enabling environment for
the exercise of freedom of expression and access
to information, including ensuring protection
against acts or omissions of non-State actors that
curtail the enjoyment of freedom of expression
and access to information.9 Equally important to
this research is the Joint Declaration on Freedom
of Expression and ‘Fake News’, Disinformation
and Propaganda is also considered as it provides
valuable recommendations that are beneficial
to this study.10

Freedom of expression is a facilitative right that
contributes to the realisation of other human
rights. In this case, this study reaffirms that
freedom of expression and access to information
are essential elements of the right to health.7
The study examines the state of freedom of
expression in the SADC region in the context of
COVID-19 and government instigated regulations
to curb its spread. Specifically, 1) it looks at the
regulations passed in the SADC region and their
effect on media freedom and free expressions;
2) regulation of disinformation during COVID19; 3) recommendations on how governments
can curb disinformation without infringing
free expression; and, 4) the different roles
that stakeholders including civil society and
journalists can play in curbing disinformation.

International human
rights standards
Freedom of expression is a fundamental right
that is protected under international human
rights laws and standards; namely the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(ICCPR art 19), African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights among others. The 2019 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression
and Access to Information in Africa provides
principles on the right to freedom of expression
in Africa.11 The Declaration also affirming that
“the same rights that people have offline should
be protected online and in accordance with international human rights law and standards”.12
As already highlighted, freedom of expression

This research draws on international human
rights law and standards. In this regard, it
relies on the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights that enshrines the right of
freedom of expression. Further, it references the
2019 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of
Expression and Access to Information in Africa
as a guiding standard.8 The Declaration provides
thattoprotectandpromotefreedomofexpression,

7 The position was taken by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. See CESCR General Comment No. 14: The Right
to the Highest Attainable Standard of Health, article 12.
8 The revised Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa was adopted by the African
Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights during its 65th Ordinary Session in 2019. It elaborates article 9 of the African Charter on
Human and Peoples’ Rights which guarantees individuals the right to receive information, as well as the right to express and disseminate information. The Declaration contributes to an enhanced normative standard for freedom of expression, access to information
and digital rights in Africa, in line with international human rights and standards. The revision of the Declaration was undertaken pursuant to Article 45(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the African Charter) which requires the African
Commission to promote human and peoples’ rights, among others, by formulating and laying down principles and rules to solve legal
problems relating to human and peoples’ rights and fundamental freedoms upon which African States may base their legislation. The
Declaration encapsulates principles that define the rights to freedom of expression and access to information as guaranteed under
article 9 of the African Charter.
9 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, principle 1(2).
10 This project was commissioned by UNESCO in 2017 n 2017. The joint statement was issued by the UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom
of Opinion and Expression, the OSCE’s Representative on Freedom of the Media, the Organisation of American States’ Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, and the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights Special Rapporteur on Freedom of
Expression and Access to Information. The Declaration is focused on disinformation and propaganda, and attacks on news media.
11 Se generally, the revised Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa (2019).
12 Declaration, see preamble, principle 1, principle 5 and principles 37-42.

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