New Project Launched to Enhance Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Rwanda

Elias Hakizimana May 28, 2024 0 Comments

By Xaverine Cyiza.

Great Lakes Initiative for Human Rights and Development (GLIHD), in partnership with Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and in collaboration with the European Union (EU) in Rwanda, has launched the ‘Ijwi Riranguruye ry’Itangazamakuru’ (IRI) Project, a significant initiative aimed at protecting and promoting responsible freedom of expression, enhancing access to information, and improving digital media literacy in Rwanda.

The event that took place in Kigali on May 28, 2024 featured a dialogue with duty bearers on the right to freedom of opinion, expression, press, and access to information.

The project, titled “Protecting and Promoting Responsible Freedom of Expression, Enhancing Access to Information and Improvement of Digital Media Literacy in Rwanda (PPRFR),” is supported by the European Union (EU) and implemented by Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) in partnership with the Great Lakes Initiatives for Human Rights and Development (GLIHD).

Journalists, media fraternity leaders, and other partners during the launch of the IRI Project and dialogue on the right to freedom of opinion, expression, press, and access to information at Lemigo Hotel on May 27, 2024.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new project-Protecting and Promoting Responsible Freedom of Expression, Enhancing Access to Information and Improvement of Digital Media Literacy in Rwanda” (PPRFR), also known as “Ijwi Riranguruye ry’Itangazamakuru” (IRI).” Says Dr. Tom Mulisa, Executive Director, GLIHD.

“Together, we aim to empower Rwandans with the tools and knowledge to responsibly exercise freedom of expression, access vital information, and navigate the digital media landscape.” He added.

Known as “Ijwi Riranguruye ry’Itangazamakuru” (IRI) in Kinyarwanda, this project addresses challenges faced by media professionals and the public regarding access to information and freedom of expression. These challenges include a lack of knowledge and compliance with the 2013 access to public information law among authorities, and the absence of a legal framework regulating digital media in Rwanda.

Dr. Tom Mulisa, Executive Director of GLIHD, addresses journalists, media fraternity leaders, and other partners during the launch of the IRI Project.

The project aims to present IRI’s design to stakeholders and officially launch the initiative, navigate the access to information law while clarifying the roles of duty bearers and journalists, assess the current landscape of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news in Rwandan digital media, and discuss strategies for enhancing the right to freedom of opinion, expression, press, and access to information.

The project seeks to bridge the gap in knowledge and compliance with the law, ensuring that journalists and the public can access information freely and responsibly. The collaboration with various stakeholders will strengthen the media’s role in informing and empowering the public.

The event was attended by 50 participants, including duty bearers, media representatives, lawyers, citizen representatives, civil society, and development partners. The launch is expected to pave the way for improved digital media literacy and a more robust framework for freedom of expression and access to information in Rwanda.