Freedom of Expression
Press Release 107/04
THE OFFICE OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR FOR FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION HIGHLIGHTS THE SUPPORT OF THE OAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE RIGHT TO ACCESS PUBLIC INFORMATION
The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights highlights the support of the XXXIV General Assembly of the Organization of American States – held from June 6-8 in Quito, Ecuador – for the right of access to public information through its adoption of the resolution “Access to Public Information: Strengthening Democracy.”
In the June 2003 meeting of the OAS General Assembly in Santiago , Chile , the Member States adopted a resolution in the area of public information reasserting the duties of these States to respect and promote respect for access to public information.
The new resolution approved in Quito extends this effort by encouraging OAS Member States to implement legislation or other provisions providing citizens with broad access to public information. This effort is in harmony with commitments made by the hemisphere’s leaders at the last Special Summit of the Americas , held in January in Monterrey , Mexico .
The reform or adoption of domestic provisions, according to the resolution, should be conducted under the principles of clarity and transparency. OAS Member States are also encouraged to seek out and establish electronic means that facilitate access to public information.
The General Assembly entrusted the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression and the Unit for the Promotion of Democracy (UPD) with providing support to Member States, if requested, in the preparation and adoption of federal legislation and other mechanisms designed to strengthen access to public information and civic participation.
The Special Rapporteur also highlights that the resolution renews the promise of OAS member states to respect the right of all persons to access public information and to adopt measures that help strengthen this right. The Special Rapporteur is deeply committed to carrying out this work and supporting Member States in the adoption of legislation in this area.
The Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression, Eduardo Bertoni, took part in the XXXIV General Assembly of the OAS as part of the delegation of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
Washington, D.C. June 10, 2004