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freedominfo.org
is a one-stop portal for critical resources about freedom of information
laws and movements around the world. The site describes best practices
and lessons learned, compares campaign strategies, and links the
efforts of freedom of information advocates globally.
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freedominfo.org
Suite 701, Gelman Library
2130 H Street, NW
Washington, D.C., 20037
email@freedominfo.org
Copyright © 2006-2008 freedominfo.org |
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19 JUNE 2009
12 European Countries Sign First International Convention on Access to Official Documents
Advocates Urge 37 Remaining Council of Europe Members to Sign
Tromsø, Norway — On June 18, 2009, 12 of 47 member-states of the Council of Europe signed the Convention on Access to Official Documents, making history as the “first international binding legal instrument that recognizes a general right of access to official documents held by public authorities.” More >> |
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12 JUNE 2009
Debate about PM Gordon Brown’s Proposed Changes to UK Freedom of Information Act
Discussion Rekindled about Cabinet Minutes and Revelations of Widespread MP Corruption
London, United Kingdom — Civil society organizations and the news media have expressed mixed feelings about Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s proposed changes to the United Kingdom’s Freedom of Information Act. Official documents could now be routinely released after 20 years instead of 30 years, and the Act could be extended to include private companies engaged in public sector work, according to Brown’s June 10 statement to the House of Commons. However, citing the “need to strengthen protection for particularly sensitive material,” exemptions from the law could be expanded, specifically excluding Cabinet papers and information about the Royal Family. More >> |
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27 MAY 2009
Developments in Brazil
President Lula da Silva Sends Draft FOI Bill to Congress
National Archive Launches Website with Historical Records from Dictatorship
Recent developments in Brazil have fueled a growing debate on open government, historical memory, and truth and justice initiatives in the country. More >> |
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19 JUNE 2009
Lessons from Media Coverage for the Right-to-Know in Latin America
by Greg Michener
In the last year or so, Latin America has been abuzz with news on right-to-know campaigns. But some countries have been buzzing louder than others. Uneven media attention to transparency policy is a global phenomenon with serious implications for institutional effectiveness, especially given the significant connection between news coverage and the strength of right to information laws. The supply and demand of media coverage for the right-to-know depends on myriad factors, but perhaps most crucial of all is the independence of the news media from the government. More >> |
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19 MAY 2009
Freedom of Information Legislation and the Media in Latin America
by Greg Michener
2008 was a big year for freedom of information movements in Latin America: three countries passed access to information laws last year (Uruguay, Chile, and Guatemala). Varying degrees of media attention, however, had a significant effect on the relative strength of each law. Examining the correlation between media output on the issue of transparency and the strength of corresponding laws in these countries and others, Michener discusses the prospects for Brazil, the next Latin American country poised to pass a law. More >> |
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14 APRIL 2009
World Bank Releases Extremely Useful Reports on Access to Information Implementation
Over the past few months, the World Bank has recently published a series of extremely useful reports by experts on access to information laws. Using comparative case studies, together these reports provide an overview of the whole lifecycle of access to information (ATI) legislation, from adoption to implementation and enforcement. More >> |
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