Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) will host a high-level dialogue on press freedom and disability inclusion at RightsCon 2026 scheduled for May 6, 2026 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Kenneth Kaunda Wing in Lusaka, Zambia.
The session, titled “Silenced Twice: Press Freedom and Disability Voices Under Threat in Africa,” will examine the intersection of shrinking civic space, media freedom, and the marginalization of persons with disabilities across the continent.
The dialogue forms part of the global summit convened by Access Now, bringing together stakeholders in journalism, law, disability advocacy, public policy, environmental advocacy, and public health.
Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of HRRG and host, will facilitate the discussion.
He said the session aims to highlight what advocates describe as “double marginalization,” where persons with disabilities face systemic exclusion from public life while also being underrepresented in media systems that shape democratic discourse.
“Press freedom and disability inclusion are deeply interconnected. When the media space shrinks, the voices of already marginalized groups are often the first to disappear,” he noted.
The dialogue will explore strategies to strengthen inclusive media ecosystems, safeguard freedom of expression, and promote equitable access to digital and civic spaces.
It will feature a distinguished panel of global experts, including Dalitso Mvula, an environmental justice advocate with the Centre for Environment Justice in Lusaka, who focuses on climate governance, community empowerment, and advancing women’s leadership in climate action.
Also speaking is Michael Karanicolas, an Associate Professor of Law and Public Policy and internationally recognized expert on freedom of expression, digital rights, and technology governance.
The panel further includes Alina Radu, an award-winning investigative journalist and co-founder of Ziarul de Gardă, known for her work in promoting media independence and combating corruption in Moldova, Eastern Europe.
Completing the panel is Elizabeth Zulu, a disability rights advocate and public health professional dedicated to advancing community health awareness and addressing social determinants affecting vulnerable populations, alongside Joseph Mwanza, a disability rights advocate and Programs Officer at Disability Rights Watch, who is expected to contribute practical perspectives on strengthening advocacy and advancing inclusion for persons with disabilities.
The panel will examine how threats to journalism—ranging from harassment and unlawful arrests to digital surveillance—are intensifying across Africa, while persons with disabilities continue to face barriers such as inaccessible media platforms and limited representation.
Context of Growing Concern
Across Africa, journalists increasingly face intimidation, violence, and restrictions for reporting on corruption, governance, and human rights issues.
In Ghana, the 2019 killing of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale highlighted concerns about impunity for crimes against media professionals, while reports by civil society groups point to a rise in attacks, threats, and harassment against journalists.
Advocates warn that such developments, coupled with inaccessible digital systems and weak inclusive policies, risk silencing critical voices—particularly those of persons with disabilities.
Advancing Inclusive Democratic Participation
HRRG said the Lusaka dialogue would contribute to global efforts to protect fundamental freedoms, amplify marginalized voices, and strengthen democratic resilience in the digital age.
Participants are expected to propose actionable recommendations, including improving legal protections for journalists, promoting accessible media content, and ensuring inclusive digital governance frameworks.
About the Organizer
Dr. Wemakor is a Ghanaian human rights advocate, journalist, and development communicator with over a decade of experience in advancing child protection, gender equality, environmental justice, and civic engagement.
He is the Founder and Executive Director of HRRG and serves on the Steering Committee of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where he also convenes the Youth Sub-Platform.
He has represented Ghana at major international forums, including the United Nations High-Level Political Forum, and has received several honours, including the prestigious UN Global Entreps Award and the Africa Peace Advocate Award.
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