Institutions Guaranteeing Access to Information
OECD and MENA Region
Thanks to comparative tables and precise examples, this report offers an overall picture of the institutions guaranteeing access to information (IGAI) in OECD member countries. While it does not provide a comprehensive analysis of each of these institutions, it examines the legislation, the composition, and operation of the IGAIs as well as their missions regarding the spontaneous disclosure and appeals following access to information requests.
Similarly, the report carries out an overall analysis of the access to information legislation of Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia, and of the legal and practical context of their IGAIs. In particular, it offers ways to make the implementation of this legislation more effective, at a time when these countries’ citizens are very keen on increased access to information.
Also available in: French
Executive Summary
The right to access information is essential in democratic countries. It improves the transparency of public action as well as the accessibility to information and to public services for citizens. The OECD Recommendation on Open Government and the related works of the OECD Public Governance Committee highlight the importance of this right to create a favourable environment for citizen participation and accountability. Although this right has been recognised and applied in several OECD member countries, sometimes for many years, it is relatively new to the MENA region.
Also available in: French