reply. Practical and recent examples of how press freedom has evolved in
Mozambique: A total of 43 licenses were granted to private news media outlets in
the first semester of 2009 alone; the drafting of the Rules for Media Attaches,
permitting the smooth flow of information from government to the media.
152. A basic legal framework governing the exercise of freedom of opinion,
expression and information is in place in Mozambique. A legal reviewing process
has been under way within the press and radio broadcasting sector.
153. As a gain for this sector, it is important to mention that over the past few years,
Mozambique’s news media has expanded and diversified extensively.
154. Community radio services have been an important alternative to news
dissemination for people living in rural areas. The scope of these services is yet
limited.
155. We are faced with a number of challenges in this area, including:
Expanding the news media to the vast majority of Mozambicans;
Improving access to information by various sources by adopting the Law on
access to sources of information;
Widening and facilitating freedom of expression and press freedom as well as
access to information by promoting the use of native languages in radio and
TV programs, and setting quotas for local content; and
Expanding community radio services.
Articles 10 and 11: Freedom of Association and Assembly
156. In terms of the Charter, freedom of association and of assembly means that
every individual shall have the right to assemble freely with others, and to
establish and join unions for the protection of their rights.
157. The right to freedom of association and freedom of assembly has been enshrined
in Articles 51 and 52 of the CRM: “Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of
assembly and demonstration in terms of the Law (Article 51 of the CRM); every
citizen shall enjoy the right to freedom of association (Article 52 (1) of the CRM);
social organizations and associations shall, in accordance with the law (Article 52
(2)), have the right to pursue their goals, set up institutions designed to achieve
their specific objectives and to own property in order to carry out their activities;
armed associations, either military or paramilitary, and associations which promote
violence, racism, xenophobia or which pursue goals contravening the law (Article
52 (3)) shall be prohibited”.
158. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have been established in the country and
their activities conform to freedom of assembly rights in force in the country. The
Mozambique Government and CSOs have been working closely together towards
human development. This is demonstrated by the reports CSOs have drafted for
human rights mechanisms, detailing the level of implementation of human rights
Combined Report from the Republic of Mozambique to the ACHPR, 1999-2010
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