A/HRC/44/49/Add.1 commitment to protecting freedom of expression. Nonetheless, Ethiopia has multiple hurdles to manoeuvre in order to build a strong and independent media sector, several of which stem from the Government itself. According to information shared by civil society, some journalists have been subjected to attacks or arrests in the past two years. 14 During the visit, several journalists reported having been subjected to harassment; some reported, for instance, that their personal information had been posted online to intimidate them into not reporting. In order to restore trust, the State should be the staunchest defender of journalists, media workers and human rights defenders, take effective measures to improve the safety of independent voices, and initiate prompt and independent investigations where violations or abuses have taken place. 40. After having met with officials from the Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority, the Special Rapporteur is convinced of the leadership’s positive approach to the promotion of accessible and independent broadcast journalism. Historically, the Ethiopian Broadcasting Authority operated as an extension of the ruling party. The previous leadership employed its political power to impede independent media by denying licences, blocking radio and television signals and censoring stories. The new leadership asserts that the Authority’s role has been transformed from a media watchdog to a media advocate. Appointments to leadership positions, and day-to-day decisions, are made seemingly independently of undue parliamentary influence, and the Authority is working broadly to ensure a plurality of opinions by diversifying its broadcasting structure and stabilizing access to networks, and signals. Several important and exciting steps indicate this commitment. Within the licensing process, the Authority removed the assessment of applicants’ substantive political identity and implemented a transparent and mostly procedural process. As a clear product of this reform, no outlets have been denied a licence since the Authority began its reforms. According to the data available, the number of private print and electronic media outlets has significantly increased, with more than 246 websites and television channels allowed, 15 including from the diaspora. There are three types of broadcasting which concern both television and radio: 9 licences have been issued for public broadcasting, 18 for commercial broadcasting and 49 for community broadcasting (with 63 local languages used in community and mainstream media). Furthermore, the Authority recognizes that due to the history of repression of the media profession, the country is in dire need of capacitybuilding. For that purpose, the Authority hosts training for various actors from both Statesponsored and independent outlets to learn and discuss innovative reporting tactics and professional responsibility. It also provides confidential monthly reports on journalism ethics and integrity, with a view to increasing the media’s aptitude to report factually and professionally. 41. As the population’s media literacy continues to increase, the media sector has an interest in promoting self-regulated professional and ethical standards of journalism. As the Government continues to work on its media reform, the media sector should increase journalists’ capacity to report factually and independently on matters of public interest. It also has an important role in deterring and raising awareness about disinformation and propaganda, especially during elections. 42. For the proper growth of an independent and professional media and a functioning democracy, increased access to information is necessary. During his meetings with journalists, civil society and other stakeholders, the Special Rapporteur heard repeated criticisms of a systematic lack of access to general information throughout the government offices. Information is simply not made available through any official, open or accessible channel. Instead, information is sporadically dispersed from various sources, leading to the inevitable spread of disinformation and mistrust. Unfortunately, these barriers are coupled with other challenges: the diverse linguistic background of constituents, partisan media that blurs the line with independent journalism, capacity issues as regards the appointment of press officials for each government office, inadequate notice for press briefings, and a lack of electronic databases and of grievance mechanisms. 43. The constitutional, statutory and international human rights obligations of Ethiopia create a clear standard for the right to information. The African Commission on Human and 14 15 12 See https://cpj.org/2020/03/two-journalists-and-a-driver-arrested-held-without.php. A/HRC/WG.6/33/ETH/1, para. 56.