With current lockdown measures implemented in several countries worldwide, access to information is rather a significant preventive tool that governments should consider. This requires promoting and protecting freedom of opinion and expression and taking measures to strengthen the role of media for informing people and awareness-raising. This would trigger civic engagement and accountability, vital for democratic governance. ANND issues a statement calling governments in the region to protect and promote the freedom of expression while addressing the pandemic; and ensure that the standards of legality, necessity and proportionality are met for any restriction imposed

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