January. Law № 7/91 provides for the formation of political parties and partisan activity. 145. Freedom of conscience is not restricted to the activities of religious bodies. It includes the right of citizens to freely establish and join political parties as provided for in Article 53 of the CRM. 146. The CRM and the Law on Political Parties prohibits at the outset religious bodies and political parties from organizing activities or forming blocks with a view to sponsoring religious propaganda likely to undermine public order and security and to endanger national unity. 147. A major challenge in this area has been the introduction of studies into the diversity and history of religions in the public school curricula, underlining the recognition of cultural differences, the promotion of tolerance, and the assertion of Mozambique as a secular State. 148. Regarding the freedom to choose an occupation, Article 84 (2) of the CRM states that “every citizen shall have the right to free choice of profession”. In Mozambique’s context, this right has evolved peacefully in that individuals are not obliged to follow a profession to which they object. Individuals are free to opt for courses which will enable them to follow a specific career. Article 9: Freedom of Expression 149. In terms of the Charter, freedom of expression entails the right to information and to express one’s opinion within the law. 150. In terms of Article 48 of the CRM: “1. Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of expression, a free press and the right to information. 2. Freedom of expression entails the right to disseminate one’s ideas by all legal means. The right to information shall not be restricted by censorship. 3. Freedom of the press includes the freedom of journalistic expression and creativity, access to sources of information, protection of professional independence and confidentiality, and the right to publish newspapers and other publications. 4. In public media outlets the right to freedom of expression and exchange of ideas shall be guaranteed. 5. The State shall guarantee the impartiality of public sector media outlets as well as the independence of journalists in relation to government, management and other political authorities. 6. The exercise of the rights and freedoms referred to in Article 48 shall be governed by law, on the basis of respect for the Constitution and the dignity of the human person.” 151. In Mozambique, the right to freedom of expression and information entails freedom of journalistic expression and creativity, access to sources of information, protection of professional independence and confidentiality, and the right to establish newspapers and other publications as well as other news media outlets. In line with this principle, a News Media Higher Council has been established in Mozambique. This is a disciplinary and consultative body which ensures access to information, freedom of the press as well as the right to air time and the right of Combined Report from the Republic of Mozambique to the ACHPR, 1999-2010 27

Select target paragraph3