The Seychelles Media Commission has for the past 5 months been working alongside other Commonwealth countries, to draft text of the ‘Commonwealth Principles on Freedom of Expression and the Role of the Media in Good Governance’.
In February 2021, Senior Officials from Commonwealth law ministries recommended the establishment of an Expert Working Group (EWG) with a mandate to review the Commonwealth Principles on Freedom of Expression and the Role of the Media in Good Governance as drafted by Commonwealth accredited organisations. The EWG was also requested to make appropriate recommendations on the Principles.
The SMC has participated and contributed in the series of the nine online meetings organised as part of the exercise, the last meeting being held in mid November.
It is to be noted that, the Working Group was aided by additional advice from seven sources of expertise across the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Secretariat participated in the Working Group meetings as an observer.
The proposed final version that will be shared with Commonwealth Country Ministers for discussion early next year.