INCREASING TRANSPARENCY
Access to Information and Transparency Laws
Freedom of information is a precondition for promoting transparency and accountability. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Freedom of Expression and Opinion elaborates on the freedom of information by saying it is the:
“freedom to….seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”, (UDHR).
It is considered a touchstone for all other rights. Most countries around the world have enshrined freedom of, or right to, information in their constitution or through legislation.
Article 19: Right to freedom of opinion and expression
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Source: http://www.claiminghumanrights.org/udhr_article_19.html#at20