Right to Information Quiz

Study Notes

The right to access information held by government agencies and institutions
Enshrined in international human rights law, including Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and participatory democracy
Key principles:
- Maximum disclosure: Information should be disclosed unless it falls under a specific exemption
- Public interest: Information should be disclosed if it serves the public interest
- Least restrictive: Exemptions should be narrowly construed and applied

The principle of making government information and decision-making processes accessible to the public
Aims to promote accountability, prevent corruption, and enhance public trust
Key elements:
- Open meetings: Government meetings and deliberations should be open to the public
- Public records: Government documents and records should be accessible to the public
- Disclosure of interests: Government officials should disclose their financial interests and potential conflicts
- Whistleblower protection: Protection for individuals who report wrongdoing or corruption
Benefits:
- Improved accountability: Transparency enables citizens to hold government officials accountable for their actions
- Better decision-making: Transparency promotes informed decision-making and reduces the risk of corruption
- Increased public trust: Transparency fosters trust between citizens and government institutions

Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 19 enshrines the right to access government-held information
Essential for promoting transparency, accountability, and participatory democracy
Key principles include:
- Maximum disclosure of information unless exempt
- Disclosure of information serving the public interest
- Narrowly construing and applying exemptions

Open meetings: Government meetings and deliberations should be publicly accessible
Public records: Government documents and records should be accessible to the public
Disclosure of interests: Government officials should disclose financial interests and potential conflicts
Whistleblower protection: Safeguarding individuals reporting wrongdoing or corruption

Improved accountability: Transparency enables citizens to hold government officials accountable
Better decision-making: Transparency promotes informed decisions and reduces corruption risks
Increased public trust: Transparency fosters trust between citizens and government institutions