Silenced Twice: Press Freedom and Disability Voices Under Threat in Africa
As part of its participation at Rights Con 2026, convened by Access Now, Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG) will host a high-level dialogue session titled “Silenced Twice: Press Freedom and Disability Voices Under Threat in Africa.”
The session brings together global voices from journalism, law, environmental advocacy, and public health to explore the intersection of press freedom, disability inclusion, and civic participation across Africa and beyond.
Across many societies, persons with disabilities experience double marginalization—first through structural barriers that limit participation in public life, and second through the absence of inclusive representation within media systems that shape democratic discourse.
This dialogue seeks to examine how the erosion of press freedom and shrinking civic space further deepen these inequalities.
Participants will explore strategies to strengthen inclusive media ecosystems, safeguard freedom of expression, and ensure equitable access to digital and civic spaces.
The discussion will also highlight the critical role of journalists, civil society organizations, policymakers, and international institutions in advancing rights-based digital governance and inclusive democratic participation.
By convening diverse perspectives, the session contributes to broader global efforts to protect fundamental freedoms, amplify marginalized voices, and strengthen democratic resilience in the digital age.