11.1 Freedom of Association Article 21 of the Namibian Constitution provides for freedom of association, including freedom to form and join trade unions and political parties. Government respects these rights in practice. Article 17 of the Namibian Constitution further provides that all citizens shall have the right to participate in peaceful political activity intended to influence the composition and policies of Government. 12. ARTICLE 9: OF THE AFRICAN CHARTER- THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND PRESS FREEDOM No new development regarding this article. However, legislation or acts of parliament are readily available to all citizens. Laws in Namibia are published in the Government Gazette upon promulgation, and members of the public may obtain a copy at the Ministry of Justice or at Parliament for a minimum fee. 12.1 Media In 2013 Namibia was ranked 21st in the world and 1st in Africa on press freedom by Reporters Without Borders. Few more newspapers were launched namely the Villager, Confidente, Prime Focus, Kundana (Oshiwambo) and Caprivi Vision (Silozi and English). Moreover, Namibians are free to access social media networks such as facebook and twitter. Independent newspapers operate freely, and many publications and organizations have websites that are critical of Government. In addition, freedom of expression is also enjoyed through radio call-in programmes and SMS text messages to the newspapers. - 32 -