Right to Know
Right to Know Day Fact Sheet
Right to Know
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September 28th
is International Right to Know Day. For the past four years
on this day, countries around the world have commemorated
the individual right of access to information through open
and transparent government. A Right to Know Day fact sheet
has been included below.
In recognition of access to information laws, and their
contribution to openness and transparency, legislative
offices in Canada such as the Office of the Information and
Privacy Commissioner for Newfoundland and Labrador, will be
recognizing not only September 28th but the week of
September 25-29 as Right to Know Week. Go to
www.righttoknow.ca
for additional information.
Right to Know
Day Fact Sheet
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What is Right
To Know Day?
Right to Know Day celebrates, once a year, the right of
individual access to information held by public bodies and
marks the benefits of transparent, accessible government.
When is Right
to Know Day Celebrated?
Right to Know Day is celebrated every September 28th. It had
its start on September 28, 2002, in Sofia, Bulgaria, at an
international meeting of access advocates. They proposed
that the date be dedicated to the promotion of access to
information worldwide.
Where is
Right to Know Day Celebrated?
Right to Know Day is celebrated around the world. Over 60
countries have access to information legislation and more
countries are in the process of developing such laws.
Countries where Right to Know Day has been commemorated
include Argentina, Czech Republic, El Salvador, India,
Jamaica, Latvia, Mexico, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Peru,
Spain, Turkey and the USA.
This year in
Canada, information and privacy ombudsman and commissioner
offices are coordinating efforts to mark “Right to Know
Week,” from Monday, September 25 to Friday, September 29,
2006. A web site detailing these activities is under
construction and will be accessible before Right to Know
Week at www.righttoknow.ca. The site will also canvass
current access to information issues being addressed and
projects being undertaken in Canadian jurisdictions.
Who
Celebrates Right to Know Day?
Everyone has reason to celebrate Right to Know Day. Active
participants since 2002 have included citizen groups
dedicated to democratic principles, students, media,
academics, policy makers and governments.
Why Celebrate
Right to Know Day?
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Access to
information provides individuals with knowledge to
address public issues, scrutinize government and become
active participants in the democratic process.
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Access to
information has revealed and clarified the basis for
government decisions, disclosed environmental and health
dangers and shed light on error, mismanagement and
illegal activities.
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Access to
information has required improved records management,
prompted routine disclosure to information, promoted the
duty to assist the public and resulted in better
government service and efficiencies.
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Access to
information requires vigilance. Beyond simply having
access to information legislation there must be a
commitment to a culture and spirit of openness. This
includes staff and public awareness of access to
information principles and appropriate resources for
implementation.
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There have
been many successes as a result of access to information
and there are improvements to consider.
How to
Celebrate Right to Know Day?
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Read or
write an article on access to information.
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Host or
attend a public forum to hear speakers on the subject.
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Participate
in a poster contest.
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Have an open
house at a government office, library, hospital or other
location where access to information is practised every
day.
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For more
details, search the internet for the phrase “Right to
Know Day” and, specifically for Canada, check
www.righttoknow.ca.
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