As we commemorate the 2013 World Press Freedom Day, Rwanda continues to promote safeguards for freedom and independence of the press and delivering on its pledge to promote accountability and foster public participation and engagement.

James Musoni, Minister of Local Government, also responsible for media environment said today:

�The recently promulgated media related laws particularly the Media law and Access to Information law, are a testimony of Rwanda�s resolve to promote independence of the media and access to information as essential components of good governance and preconditions for durable economic, social and political development�.

Key elements of the new media law include the recognition of self regulation whereby article 4 now provides that the Media Self Regulatory body will regulate the conduct of journalists and establish professional standards. Article 15 empowers the same entity to deal with violation of journalists� rights.

The new law also recognizes the legal right of journalists to collect information; respect for the confidentiality of journalistic sources; to call on any resourceful person to provide information while lifting some restrictions such as prohibitions on the use of unlawful methods to obtain or to disseminate information; neglecting essential information; and distorting ideas contained in an information or a text. To protect the rights of individuals, the law also recognizes the rights of reply, rectification and correction.

There is now no requirement for journalists to hold particular academic qualifications, paving the way for a broader definition of who is a journalist and allowing freelancers to enjoy the same rights as employed journalists. The system of sanctions for the media has been liberalized, including the repeal of �suspension� and �closure of a publication� as penalties.

Minister Musoni emphasized the government�s commitment to supporting the development of a free, dynamic and responsible press:

�We are determined to make use of advances in modern communication technology to reach out to every citizen for engagement and to ensure that Rwandans are connected to each other and the world. Our intention is to support the development of a media environment that is sensitive to our past, responsive to the present and that keeps us accountable as we work to deliver a better future for all Rwandans.�

Source: Republic of Rwanda (www.gov.rw)