Human rights and ICTs

The University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg is launching the third iteration of their online course Media Freedom and Freedom of Expression in Africa. The updated version includes a session on African media in the time of COVID-19 as well as the impact of the pandemic on journalists.  

Amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, health recommendations need to be conveyed to communities in remote areas that are separated both by distance and by the minority languages they speak. One medium that can be used to convey public messages is through song.   

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Shakespeare wrote most of his plays during the bubonic plague, and now women and queer artists are using the internet and social media to open up spaces for marginalised communities and bodies.  

This research from the DEF tries to understand the chronology of events that started rumours, fake news and misinformation about COVID-19 that spread across India. 

In Uganda, social media is one of the avenues for disseminating information on COVID-19 to citizens. However, the effectiveness has been undermined by the social media tax, which requires telecom subscribers to pay a daily subscription in order to access popular social media platforms.

Palestinian civil society organisations condemn the selection of Palmor, voicing concern about the impact that her role will play in further shrinking the space for freedom of expression online and the protection of human rights.

Media Matters for Democracy is deeply concerned about reports of journalists in Pakistan forced to cover the COVID-19 public health crisis without adequate protective measures and safety precautions.

The last time a network was forced to stop broadcasting was during martial law under the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. At a time when credible sources of news and information are needed more than ever, the shutdown is seen as a blatant attack on freedom of the press and freedom of expression.