PIRF Profile


MMPZ has established a Public Information Rights Forum (PIRF) outreach network comprising members of local community-based groups as part of its local advocacy campaign to promote civil liberties, particularly those relating to free expression and public information.

 
MISSION STATEMENT
The vision of the Public Information Rights Forum (PIRF) is to create a community in Zimbabwe that respects freedom of information and expression rights. Its mission is to monitor and promote public awareness of these rights through public education and training and through fostering such cultures that promote and protect these rights through community-based initiatives.
 
BROAD OBJECTIVES
·         Coordinating a national approach in advocating freedom of expression in Zimbabwe
·         Providing a platform for creating awareness of freedom of expression developments in the country
·         Building skills for advocating free expression and the right to information
·         Formulating and advocating public interest positions on information rights
·         Acting as a watchdog of public information rights
·         Lobby for a new national media policy reflective of the needs and will of the people of Zimbabwe
·         Strengthening relations between civic organizations and formal media.
 
 
PIRF ACTIVITIES
  • Developing positions on media, broadcasting and access to information rights and laws
  • Carrying out civic education on information rights to members
  • Policy Advocacy and interactions with parliament
  • Compiling and disseminating information on abuse of information rights
  • Using media monitoring to highlight distortions in the coverage of civic issues
  • Maintaining a database of civic society and media contacts
  • Providing guidelines and training on media, advocacy, public relations skills within civic organisations
  • Enhancing exchange of materials between civic organisations
  • Linking with media editors
 
 
PIRF CHAPTERS
 
Eleven PIRF Chapters have been opened in the following areas;
 
1. Mutare
2. Gweru
3. Masvingo
4. Nyika
5. Harare
6. Chinhoyi
7. Chiredzi
8. Bulawayo
9. Hwange
10. Binga
11. Gwanda