https://www.fairplanet.org/editors-pick/the-universal-right-to-access-public-information-must-be-protected/

Editors' Picks

26.Sep

September 26, 2022

The universal right to access public information must be protected

topic:	Good Governance
editor:	Bob Koigi

At a time when the world is evolving at unprecedented levels and being shaped by unique phenomena such as climate change, pandemics, conflicts, governance, new-age multilateralism and technological booms, governments have been responding to these occurrences in their own unique ways. Their reactions, in the end, affect the lives of everyday citizens.

The need to have governments openly communicate to citizens about governance structures and their duty to champion social, economic and political development have been promoted as one of the key tenets of healthy democracies world over.

Indeed, a functioning government is one that allows its people to probe it, ask questions, criticise and, where necessary, commend. This is only achievable by allowing citizens access to public information - a sacrosanct right enshrined in the laws of numerous countries globally.

Yet, the universal right to information in most countries has been under threat. This emanates from governments operating in secrecy, threats to non-state actors like the media, opposition parties and civil societies that try to keep governments in check, and when citizens are not fully informed and empowered about their rights to demand information and weak legislation.

For example, in Latin America and the Caribbean, only 39 percent of the people know of their right to request information from government institutions. Yet, only through accountability can democracies thrive and are citizens able to hold their leaders to account, thereby curtailing corruption and other social hazards, and protecting key fundamental rights.

There are however some considerable gains. An estimated 135 countries have adopted Access to Information laws. As the world marks the International Day for Universal Access to Information this week, dialogue should now shift toward strengthening the implementation of these fundamental pieces of legislation to meet international standards. Despite the impressive adoption rates, there has been a vacuum in terms of putting them into action and publicising them.

Information is power and transparent governments lead to healthy nations. In order to bolster strong institutions of governance, the world should unite in calling for stronger entities, like media and civil societies, as well as for transparency in making all public information available to the public and enactment of laws that pass the global test.

Photo by Markus Spiske